US Squash recently announced that junior Jeremy Barnes, captain of the Viking squash team, was named to the 2013-2014 High School All-Americans Squash team. Recipients include the top four ranked players in the Boys and Girls U17, the top eight ranked players in the U19 divisions as of March 18, 2014 and those voted on by leagues and coaches.

Barnes has played squash since he was about five years old but has been playing much more intensely since the beginning of summer vacation this past year when he trained in Australia.

“My favorite thing about squash it how it’s so unusual,” Barnes said. “I also like how intense some points can get if they go on for a long time.”

With the distractions of junior year, Barnes says he stays motivated for college recruiting, his personal ranking, to keep his fitness, and most importantly to motivate the team. Barnes knows that if he works harder in the captain position, then the team will work harder as well.

“I mainly think about the future and the fact is that the effort you put in on a day to day basis affects how good you will be in years to come,” he said.

After an already very successful squash career and achieving multiple goals, Barnes’ main goal for next season is to be in the top 40 juniors in the entire nation. Barnes hopes to catch the eye of a few prestigious squash universities, including his top choices Dartmouth, Cornell and U Penn. Barnes also hopes to win the high school league once again and to continue to help improve his teammates.
While Barnes has thrived at the high school level of squash, he sees no professional career in his future.

“Playing squash in college is a must for me, however, I don’t think I could become pro player as it takes huge commitment,” Barnes said. “I may play some professional tournaments during college, but I don’t think I would pursue it as a career itself.”

Barnes and the Viking squash team hope to continue their success into next season.