Huddersfield squash coach Luke Butterworth is celebrating a national title in the United States.
The 26-year-old has guided Greenwich Academy squash team from Connecticut to the US High School Championship.
Having been edged out 4-3 by The Baldwin School in the finals last year, top-seeded Greenwich avenged the loss this time.
They beat Bryn Mawr 5-2 to take the honours at The Cricket Club in Philadelphia.
Butterworth was delighted with a ninth championship for the team known as the Gators and explained: “We set our goal at the start of the season and it was to get to that championship match again and be victorious this time.
“Losing such a close match last year made us reflect on how we were going to change things and how we were going to approach the season.
“This year, the girls wanted the title. They didn’t expect it, they wanted it. They went out there and fully delivered on their mission.”
Senior co-captain Jessica Yacobucci and junior Haley Scott gave the Gators a 2-0 lead.
“Jessica and Haley set the tone for us by winning their matches,” said Butterworth.
“They punished their opponents and were able to get points off some tough rallies. Being up 2-0 after two games was a great start.”
Freshman Haley Aube put the Gators 3-0 ahead and Greenwich clinched the title when freshman India Stephenson came back to beat Angela Luo in a hard-fought five-setter, 7-11, 11-9, 2-11, 12-10, 11-6.
“India found herself down 2-1, but she got extra motivated and pulled out a terrific win,” explained Butterworth.
“I’m so proud of the whole team for their performance throughout every match.
“Prior to our championship match, I told them to go out, play your game and enjoy the experience – and they all played so well.”
Butterworth now takes the Academy to the New England Championships — a tournament they have also dominated.
Butterworth said: “The camaraderie of the team was great on and off the court. Winning this title (the national) is immense.”
