By JOHN ZAKOUR
Sonya Ryu / Sun Staff Photographer
Connor Archard / Sun Senior Photographer
Sonya Ryu / Sun Staff Photographer
Connor Archard / Sun Senior Photographer
Connor Archard / Sun Senior Photographer
Connor Archard / Sun Senior Photographer
Connor Archard / Sun Senior Photographer
Connor Archard / Sun Senior Photographer
Connor Archard / Sun Senior Photographer
Junior staff writer John Zakour sat down with senior Jessenia Pacheco in Belkin International Squash Center to talk about everything from her start in squash, to her final year with the Red.
Before we get started, what kind of name is that, Jessenia?
It is Spanish. My family is Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian.
1. As a senior, what has squash meant to you for the last four years?
Well squash has been my life since I was 11 years old. To have it continue up to this point, where I’ve been at Cornell for four years and now captain on the the varsity team has been such an honor. It’s opened so many doors for me and I’m grateful for all that it’s brought to me.
2. Your bio said you were part of something called City Squash. What is that?
City Squash is a nonprofit organization in the Bronx that recruits students from the local urban area and provides academic support and mentoring, and teaches them the sport of squash. And through that, students will often time receive scholarships and get recruited to play [in] Ivy League programs. I started that when I was in the sixth grade.
Is that something you had to apply for?
You tried out for the team. There was definitely a selection process.
3. You were All-Ivy last year. What was that like? That must have felt good.
Yeah, I was All-Ivy and All-American, which was pretty exciting for me. It was a very rewarding moment. It’s just nice to have all of your hard work pay off.
Sonya Ryu / Staff PhotographerSenior Belieber | Senior Jessenia Pacheco is proud of her 20th birthday present, a Justin Bieber backpack that she brings to her away matches.