Squash's Foo Yuk Han represents Malaysia in World University Games

When GW women's squash's Zoe Foo Yuk Han received the email from the Squash Association of Malaysia inviting her to play at the World University Games, the most prestigious international tournament for college athletes, she knew that she could not pass up the opportunity to compete for her country. Even if it meant missing two-and-a half weeks of classes, the beginning of the preseason, and training nearly 20 hours each week over the summer.

The pressure of representing her country was not foreign to the sophomore, who prior to GW, was a member of the Malaysian National Team and also competed at Professional Squash Association (PSA) tour events, where she reached a career-high world ranking of No.93. Last season, then-first-year Foo played No. 1 for every GW match and earned national recognition as a College Squash Association (CSA) Second Team All-American.

"I didn't think I'd be representing Malaysia again, to be honest," Foo said. "I thought that once I came to university I was done. So when I received that email, I knew I had to play. The World University Games is such a big opportunity and an even bigger honor."

Foo entered the World University Games as a 5/8 seed, and with no expectations. After receiving a bye in the first round, she defeated Drexel's Hannah Blatt of Canada, 11-2, 11-4, 11-8. In the semifinal round, she dismantled 3/4 seed Shehana Vithana of Australia in three games, before falling to South Africa's Alexa Pienaar (5/8) in the semifinal round, 7-11, 11-7, 5-11, 6-11.

"That was a big win for me," Foo said. "It definitely gave me a lot of confidence, because I didn't know that I was good enough to play the World University Games."

Exposure to this kind of international competition has helped to better prepare Foo not only for this upcoming collegiate season, but also the team as a whole.

"I was also representing GW at the games," Foo said. "I wouldn't have been able to earn the bronze medal without the team. That's the difference between collegiate squash and professional squash. When you're playing individually, it's all on yourself, you don't have the team support that we have at GW. Win or lose, the team will always be there for you."

Foo's international playing experience brought the diversity in both level and style of play that the team needed to continue improving. This year, the squad is set to face seven teams that finished in the top-10 of least year's CSA National Poll. And, with just ten players, the perspective that Foo brings to the team will be an asset.

"Zoe demonstrates the most perfect sportsmanship, support, positivity and humbleness," junior co-captain Engy Elmandouh said.

"Zoe is someone that gives her all no matter what," senior co-captain Brooke Feldman said. "She always fights. She is a great teammate. Even as a freshman, she was a role model to us upperclassmen."

Last season, Foo notched 19 victories to rank first on GW's single-season victories list. Her success puts her in a group of GW's three top players, alongside Anna Porras '16 and Breanne Flynn '17, who coach Wendy Lawrence says, "are responsible for elevating the program."

"It's clear that Zoe is, without question, the strongest one on the team," Lawrence said. "We're in a rebuilding time right now, and she's part of that rebuilding. I think she can be a first team All-American this year."

Though three players graduated last season, two of whom played consistently in the top five, the team is determined to continue competing at the highest level. Lawrence and assistant coach Anderson Good's goal is to break back into the top ten, a place the team has not been since the 2014-15 season.

Co-captains Elmandouh and Feldman cited the team's strong dynamic, commitment to one another and work ethic as the factors that give this year's team the potential for continued improvement.

"One thing that we definitely have this year is that appreciation for one another, respect for one another and truly just admiration for everyone and who they are," Elmandouh said.

A vital part of bringing the team closer was conveying the message that each player, regardless of ladder position, plays an equally important role in the team's success.

"We're all so close, on and off the court," Feldman said. "Coming into this season from our first day of practice, we all had such positive attitudes, more than any other year."

The team's diversity, competition experience, and bonded dynamic will be an asset when the season begins in November.

"I think what's most important for the team is just having the trust and belief in ourselves and working together to reach that same goal," Foo said. "Everyone has given me so much support. I love the team. We're just like family."

The women's squash squad will kickoff their 2018-19 season on Friday at 6:30 p.m. when they host Georgetown at the Matthew J. Grossman Squash Courts in the Lerner Health and Wellness Center.

(11/5/2018) Foo Yuk Han World University Games

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