George Washington University Athletics
GW Names Jude Odeh Men's Squash Coach
11/7/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Squash
Nov. 7, 2006
WASHINGTON, DC - Jude Odeh has been named the new head coach for men's squash at The George Washington University, Senior Associate Director of Athletics Mary Jo Warner has announced. Odeh replaces former coach Simon Harrington, who resigned after four years at GW to pursue other interests.
Odeh, a native of Nigeria, has an extensive and impressive background in squash. He was the Nigerian junior squash team captain for three years from 1996 to 1999, and in 1996 he was the Nigerian National Junior Champion. Following that, Odeh joined the Nigerian Squash Federation in 2002 and remained a part of that organization until 2004. During that time, Odeh was the Nigerian National Men's Squash Champion and served as the Nigerian Senior Men's Squash Captain. He also participated in the All African Games in 2003, held in Abuja, Nigeria, where he took home the bronze medal.
In addition to all of his player accolades, Odeh has been teaching the sport of squash for over 10 years. He began at the Lagos Country Club in Nigeria where he coached from 1995 through 1999, serving as assistant head coach in his final year.
In 2004, he began his coaching career in the United States, working as a Squash Pro at the Valkyrie Squash Club in New Jersey. Most recently, Odeh was the assistant squash coach at the Sports and Health Club in Bethesda, MD, and an international elite coach at Princeton University, where he tutored nationally ranked junior players.
Odeh earned his bachelor's degree in physical and health education from the University of Lagos in 2002, where he was also the captain of the squash team in 1999. In 2000, Odeh won two gold medals at the Nigerian University Games.
Additionally, Odeh has been ranked #1 in both the National Capital Sports Racquet Association (NCSRA) and the Sports and Health League. He is also a past winner of both the Potomac Fever and Fisher Cup Open Tournaments. Odeh currently lives in Chesapeake Beach, MD.
The Colonials squash teams play their home matches in the Lerner Health and Wellness Center, located at 2301 G Street NW in Washington, DC.
