One Last Roar: Genesis Lara Granados, Squash

"One Last Roar" is a series that will recognize the accomplishments of the senior student-athletes at Mount Holyoke College graduating during the 2020-21 academic year. From now until May, read about our senior student-athletes as they reflect on their careers as members of Lyons Nation. Make sure to check out Mount Holyoke College Athletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see photos of their top memories with their teammates over the past four years.

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Senior Genesis Lara Granados (Bronx, N.Y.) a Biology major and Latin Studies minor is a squash student-athlete at Mount Holyoke College who will graduate at the completion of the Spring 2021 semester.

In the 2018-2019 season, Lara Granados posted an 11-6 record. One of the wins was an 11-7, 11-4, 11-6 win against a Smith opponent which aided the Lyons to their third-straight Seven Sisters title and 11th in program history. In February 2020, Lara Granados claimed an impressive 11-4, 11-3, 11-0 win which helped the team earn an 8-1 win against their opponent Wellesley. Later that day, she won another match putting the team in an early 2-0 lead, eventually beating opponent Vassar 5-4. Lara Granados was recently recognized for earning the College Squash Association (CSA) Scholar-Athlete Award, granted this season to varsity juniors or seniors who have played on the team throughout their college career, have earned at least two varsity letters, would have been eligible to compete this season, and achieved a high academic standing at their institution. Genesis is involved in Public Relations with MeCHA de Mount Holyoke.

From Head Mount Holyoke Squash Coach, Erin Robson:

"Genesis has tremendous maturity and composure when it comes to balancing her academic demands with her commitments to the team. For example, she is finishing up her thesis, she has accepted a job offer and she is playing some of her best squash. Consistently recognized as the team member who continues to improve, Genesis may have underestimated the impact she would have on the squash team. Like the other 2021s, Genesis had some really big wins in close matches during her sophomore season which ultimately helped us to earn the Most Improved Team Award by the CSA. By winning matches over Wesleyan and St. Lawrence, Genesis helped position the team as a contender in our division. Genesis gained confidence in her ability to pull through in close matches. She improved every area of her game especially her play in the backcourt. She has been a great teammate and friend. It has been amazing to watch the confidence build with squash and as a leader within our team.

Genesis and her sister and teammate Nicole have gone back and forth over the years with Nicole earning a higher ladder position in the first year. Genesis moved slightly ahead for the sophomore and junior years. Most recently Nicole moved ahead of Genesis. They played at least seven times since their sophomore year and the ladder matches were frequently determined by a 3-2 margin. Unofficially the number of games won at one point was 15-13.

I loved watching Nicole and Genesis play against each other because I knew the match would bring out the best in each player. They seemed to play some of their best squash against each other. The matches were always close and sometimes reflected who was healthiest at the time and/or who was injury-free. Genesis and Nicole handled the competition with grace and sportsmanship while agreeing that an experienced referee improved the experience."

More about Genesis...

Overall, share a few sentences about your time as a student-athlete at Mount Holyoke College. How has your experience as a student-athlete helped develop you into the person you are today?

My experience as a student-athlete at Mount Holyoke will always be a highlight of my college career! I have been playing squash for a long time, but my love for squash began at Mount Holyoke because of my teammates and my coach. Every year, my teammates were always my support system, in and out of season. Whether we won, or we lost, I was just always happy to be my team. I became more competitive and grew more confident in my abilities. Being a student-athlete also helped me with time management and other skills that helped me manage both my athletic and academic careers.

What were some of your favorite memories as a member of your team?

Team bonding events were always my favorite, whether it be game nights, trips to Amherst for Boba, or playing laser tag and going bowling at Hampshire Mall. Team nationals every year is always super fun! Nationals is a weekend filled with squash and reconnecting with friends at other schools, and the most competitive part of the season. When traveling for matches, our teammates always invited the entire team and our coach to their houses to have a meal and meet their families, really making the team feel like a family.

What are your plans following graduation?

After graduation, I will be participating in a research summer program at Stanford University, which I deferred from last summer. I am also currently applying for research assistant/technician positions in labs and hospitals in NYC and hope to start working late summer/early fall.

Who have been some of your biggest supporters during your time at Mount Holyoke College? This can be anyone (i.e. family, friends, professors, coaches, etc.)

My biggest supporters have always been my family! They always want the best for me and always encourage me to keep challenging myself. My advisor has also been an amazing mentor and had also motivated me to continue to do research post-undergrad!

What is your favorite Mount Holyoke tradition?

My favorite tradition is Convocation! It's always a super fun time, and everyone is excited to be back on campus, see their friends again, and get ready to start another semester.

Any words of advice you have for the future student-athletes of Mount Holyoke College?

My advice would be to keep doing what you love! Whether that be in playing sports, deciding your major, or where you work, make sure you enjoy what your doing. Especially for student-athletes, with so many things going on in their academic, athletic, and social lives, being self-motivated to keep doing what you're doing can make all the difference!