Annesley Apple ’24 has been named a US Squash High School All-American, one of only 20 female athletes nationally to receive the honor. Annesley led the 2022-2023 Sabers Squash Team to an impressive collection of three championship team titles: AAIS Regular Season Co-Champion, AAIS Tournament Champion and NYSAIS Tournament Champion. A junior Co-Captain, Annesley has been an instrumental part of the Sabers’ Squash dominance in the past two years, rising to the #1 spot on the ladder this year. Since the program returned to action after COVID, the Spence Varsity Squash Team has won back-to-back AAIS Regular Season Championships, AAIS Tournament Championships and two NYSAIS Championships.

 

According to Varsity Squash Coach Benjamin Oliner: “From the first day of practice, Annesley set the tone for the 2022-2023 Spence Varsity Squash Team. She always showed up to practices and matches ready to work hard, focus and improve her game. A natural leader, Annesley led by example by practicing her game more than any teammate and pushing herself through every fitness session. She's disciplined, dedicated and thrives on pressure. She loves to compete and, in challenging moments, uses her tremendous athleticism, balance, coordination and discipline to impose her game on her opponent. When necessary, she can scramble and work her way into a match but she prefers to establish a fast, high-paced tempo and inflict heavy pressure on her opponent. She's intimidating and awesome and over the last year, has improved so much - particularly in her capacity to attack short. This was evident from the first rally of the season and she is an extremely worthy recipient of All-American honors as evidenced by her 16-1 record at the # 1 spot for the 2022-2023 AAIS and NYSAIS Championship Team. I am very proud of her.”

Oliner shares that Annesley was one of two deserving players from the NYC region, nominated by coaches from 10 different schools. “Only two players were selected, and she was selected by vote of the coaches from various institutions based upon her playing level, character, sportsmanship and overall contributions to interscholastic squash nationally, and, more specifically, the growth of the NYC region,” Oliner shares.

 

Athletic Director Coni Fichera lauded Annesley’s contribution as both a leader of the squash program and also as a multi-sport student-athlete who has achieved tremendous all-around success at Spence. “Annesley brings her best to every challenge and is a student-athlete that elevates those around her with her determination, focus and work ethic,” Fichera shares. “Her attention to detail is an important tool in her success in the competitive arena and in the classroom. Annesley strives to be a part of the success of something bigger on both the court and the field. What I appreciate most about Annesley is her leadership by example; she never takes shortcuts and she lifts up her teammates by demonstrating that the path to success is achieved through hard work and sacrifice. Annesley is a true ‘team player’ and unselfishly has taken on whatever role her teams have needed from her, for them to achieve success. For Annesley, her individual accomplishments have only had value to her if they contribute to the success of the group. As both an accomplished squash player and a lacrosse player, Annesley brings a ‘what can I do to help us be better?’ approach with her to the court and field each day."

 

Annesley has joined a prestigious group in Spence athletic history. She is the fourth Spence squash player in the School’s history to receive the All-American honor, joining Alexandra Koskosidis ’16, recognized for her outstanding play for Spence the 2013-2014 season, Clara Lehv ’20, honored in 2019-2020 and Annie Kagan ‘22, honored last year for her play in 2021-22.

 

Congratulations Annesley Apple ’24, 2022-2023 US Squash All-American!