Inside the Locker Room Hannah Baker

Author: James Kerrigan

Senior Co-Captain Hannah Baker, of the women's squash team, has an individual record of 4-1 on the season, but more important to the squash star is the team's record of 2-3. According to her housemate Leigh Polfer '07, she has "a deep affinity for bonding" and has always put the team first.

The psychology major from New York City has been a part of three winning seasons in her career and hopes to make it a perfect four and finish her career on a positive note. With 10 matches remaining on the schedule, the door is still wide open.

Baker challenged Coach Seward to a high-stakes match earlier this season and emerged the victor. As a result, Seward is obligated to dress up as Elmo. This is about as likely as Baker following through on her J-Term goal of catching up on current events, which she admits is doubtful.

Liz McMorris '09.5, who is not even half-way through her first season on the team, has dueled the captain many times, but has she gotten to know Baker in a residential setting?

Polfer, one of Baker's Washington St. companions, has shared many late nights and lazy mornings with the senior squash player, but does she know what is it like inside the locker room?

The housemates/roommates have kicked off 2007 with a crucial victory. Polfer nudged out McMorris with her knowledge of the past and present and distinguished herself as the Baker-trivia expert.

As evidenced by the diversity of answers in response to the question of what Baker enjoys most about squash, she is motivated by a combination of things. McMorris suggested it is because the sport shares its name with a vegetable whereas Polfer thought the thrill of destroying an opponent in a crucial match or playing really old men on her abroad club team most inspired Baker. Whatever the reason, Baker is doing what she likes and liking what she does.

It appears Baker has emerged from her traumatizing childhood experience at her local Sea World. She survived a frightening afternoon with Shamu and lived to tell her roommate.

Baker and the squash team travel to New Haven, Conn. this weekend to compete in the Yale Invitational. They will look to get back above .500 and be considered one of the teams in the upper echelon of the NESCAC league.

The NESCAC Tournament, which will take place at Trinity College is only 24 days away.