Episcopal Academy’s Eric Kim is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
The Episcopal Academy junior has been the No. 1 player for the EA boys’ squash team since his sophomore year. He is ranked No. 1 in the boys’ under-17 national rankings, and was a member of the US National team for the world championships last summer.
Q: What do you think has been the most memorable match of your EA career to date – can you describe your most vivid memory from this match?
A: My most memorable match of my EA career has to be at Nationals my freshman year. We were playing our first match in the 5-8 playoff against the Taft School. I was playing No. 3, and going against someone whom I’d never beaten before. I won the match in five games playing the best match I’d played that weekend. I still remember the last point of that match. It was a long rally that finally ended with me hitting a forehand straight drive winner to win the match.
Q: Describe for us your most memorable experience last summer as a member of the US National team, and your most memorable match.
Q: My most memorable experience had to have been the training with the US National team throughout the summer. I think I really learned a lot just by getting on court with the best kids in the country. The US team placed a record-high third place in the team event, which proved they’re among the best kids in the world. It was a great experience to be able to train along side them throughout the summer. My most memorable match had to have been my last match against the No. 2 from Jordan. He was very tall, maybe 6-foot-2. It was tough to move him around because of his long reach, so I ended up doing a lot of the running. Although I ended up losing that match 14-12 in the fifth game, I still remember that match well because the rest of the team was there watching and cheering me on.
Q: Squash is considered a sport that requires endurance and mental focus. How do you maintain mental focus during a match that might last an hour or more?
A: My parents always tell me that squash is a mental game and that matches are won and lost in your head, not on the court. I’ve been practicing staying engaged on every shot in a match ever since I was a little kid and it has certainly helped me to this point. If I drift off in a match for a shot or two, I just remind myself of my game plan and what I need to be doing again.
Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your squash game? What part of your game are you working on most currently?
A: I think the strongest part of my squash game is my short game. I’ve always been able to take the ball in short well from any part of the court and I rely on it a lot during my matches. Right now, I’m working on my overall physical fitness and strength. I recently aged into the BU19 division and the matches have become even longer and more tiring. Matches can last over an hour, so fitness becomes a very important aspect to each match.
Q: What is your favorite squash venue, and why?
A: My favorite squash venue has to be Yale. There is usually at least one major tournament there every year and it’s my favorite one to play every year. The facility is unbelievable as they have 15 courts, which are all air conditioned. The courts are similar to the ones at my home club, Fairmount Athletic Club. I’ve gotten used to playing at those kind of courts. Also at Yale there is a four-wall glass court as well as two other 3-wall glass courts. I’ve always enjoyed playing on the 3-wall glass courts ever since I was a little kid.
Q: Who have been your biggest squash mentors, and what was the most important thing each of them taught you?
A: My biggest squash mentors are Lyall Paterson, Paul Frank, and [EA squash coach] John Russell. Lyall and Paul have coached me ever since I was 12 years old and JR has been my high school coach since I was in eighth grade. Lyall and Paul have really shaped me into the player that I am today. Lyall has taught me to be creative on court and not be afraid to make mistakes. Paul has taught me the importance of off court work and a solid driving game. JR has taught me to be patient on court and wait for my opportunities.
Q: Who is your favorite squash player and why? Is there a squash player whose game you try to pattern yours after?
A: My favorite squash player is Ramy Ashour. I’ve always found his style of play fun to watch as it is creative and he’s always making something happen on court. I don’t try to model my game after any one player. Instead I try to learn from anything and anybody that could help my game.
Q: What is your favorite school subject(s)?
A: My favorite subject in school is either Physics or Math.
Fun facts – Eric Kim
Favorite book: The Hunger Games.
Favorite author: JK Rowling.
Favorite TV show: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Favorite movie: Miracle.
Favorite athlete: Allen Iverson.
Favorite pre-match pump-up song: All Me by Drake.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Boston.
Favorite pre-match meal: Chicken parmesan.
Favorite color: Blue.
Person I most admire: “My brother Aaron because he’s always been a role model to me and he was the one who got me starting to play squash.”
Birth date: Nov. 16, 1999 in Abington.
Family members: YK (father), Hyuna (mother), Aaron (brother).
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
