AJN’s Emma Bartley continues to soar with the Drexel Dragons
AJN sponsored squash sensation, Emma, has just wrapped up an amazing second year in Philadelphia and continues to go from strength to strength with the Drexel Dragons at Drexel University.
Adding to a host of achievements and accolades in her first year, the 19-year-old from Bury-St-Edmunds, was crowned ‘Dragon of the Week’ in March 2024 after winning all of her matches throughout the national team championships.
A great run of results also saw Emma selected for the second all MASC (Mid Atlantic Squash Conference) team. A prestigious honour among the University’s athletes, Emma was picked to play for the team from all of the competitors in the Mid-Atlantic Division and played a key role in the Dragons’ 8-8 record and a top ten ranking in the country.
Further second year highlights saw Emma claim a dominant straight set victory in her first match against Virginia University in the Howe Cup. In consolations against Dartmouth College, Emma became the first Dragon to defeat the ‘Big Green’ from the three spot, again, sweeping her opponent away in three strong sets.
Throughout the year Emma also took part in numerous pro-tournaments, including the Bermuda Open where she displayed her immense skill to reach the last 16 before being knocked out by one of the world’s top ranked players. A tight and tense battle with the same player in a pro-tournament in New York later in the year ended in a 3-2 loss in the last 16 but Emma was pleased with the solid progress being made throughout the year.
A true professional, Emma is now focused on preparing herself for the season ahead and as a further reward for her hard work and dedication, has just been named team captain for the 2024-2025 season.
