Penn men's squash chooses Tyler Odell as No. 1

Before each season, Penn men’s squash dukes it out to find who would take over at the top of the ladder. The ensuing challenge matches are very competitive and often get the better of players’ emotions.

Emerging from this gauntlet as the team’s No. 1 is sophomore and Pennsylvania native Tyler Odell, who grew up playing squash just 30 minutes away from Penn’s campus.

At the age of eight, Odell was first introduced to the sport when his dad became a member of the Merion Cricket Club. Starting from the country club, Odell went on to become a five-time letterwinner for his high school’s squash team.

Even with Odell’s talent in squash, there was another spot competing for his interest: lacrosse. As a four-year letterwinner at his school, Odell was nominated first-team All-State his senior year of high school.

After sifting through the many schools recruiting him, Odell found Penn to be the best fit for both lacrosse and squash.

“I felt like both sports were suffering, and I felt like I could make a real impact on either team,” Odell said.

Not long into his freshman season, Odell decided to commit to a single sport so that he could focus his time and effort on one. Luckily for coach Jack Wyant, he committed to his childhood sport — squash.

Odell took the Ivy League by storm in his first year, compiling the most wins on the team with an 11-6 record along with four victories against Ivy opponents. When asked what made him so good last season, Odell cited his mindset as a contributing factor to his success.

“I went into every match not really caring who my opponent was and just knew that I was just gonna go out there and give it my all,” Odell said.

As a freshman, Odell got a chance to learn the ropes of the college squash game while never playing higher than the No. 6 position. This year, his competition will take a quantum leap as he gets accustomed to playing at the No. 1 position.

To help himself prepare for competing with the upper echelon of players in the nation, Odell has enlisted the help of current assistant coach and former All-American Gilly Lane. By practicing with Lane twice a week, Tyler has seen bountiful improvement in his game.

“As I hit with Gilly more, I got used to the pace of the game,” Odell said.

Coach Wyant gave Odell his vote of confidence by sticking him at the top of the ladder. The coach also acknowledged that playing at the No.1 position will bring its fair share of challenges.

“He’s going to be under a tremendous amount of pressure this year,” Wyant said.

But Odell is embracing the challenge that comes with the top spot.

“I don’t feel any pressure,” Odell added. “I’d love to just hold my position and maybe pull off a few upsets at the top of the ladder.”

Past No. 1 players from Penn have struggled going against some of the best players in the country. Last year’s No. 1, Danny Greenberg, was only able to muster a 4-13 record in his senior campaign.

So Odell will need to be at the top of his game if he is going to anchor the Quakers at the No. 1 spot.

“College squash attracts some of the best junior talent in the world,” senior captain Jack Maine said. “It’s going to be a bit of a learning experience for Tyler, but I think there are going to be a few wins he can get out.”

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