One Last Roar: Nicole 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.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Senior Nicole Lara Granados (Bronx, N.Y.) a Psychology and Education major is a squash student-athlete at Mount Holyoke College who will graduate at the completion of the Spring 2021 semester.

As a first-year, Lara Granados garnered an 11-0, 11-2, 11-4 win against a Bowdoin opponent in the 2018 CSA National Team Championships. In 2018, Lara Granados posted an 11-7, 11-7, 11-6 victory to aid the team in a 9-0 win against Fordham. Later that season, Lara Granados earned an 11-4, 11-1, 11-3 win over a Smith opponent to help the Lyons win their third-straight and 11th Seven Sisters Championship title in program history. Lara Granados was recently recognized for her commitment to academics as a student-athlete, earning the College Squash Association (CSA) Scholar-Athlete Award for the second-consecutive season. This award is granted 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. Additionally, Lara Granados was one of 45 participants across the country selected to attend the 2021 NCAA Division III Student Immersion Program this past January.

From Head Mount Holyoke Squash Coach, Erin Robson:

"So many things stand out to me when I think about what Nicole contributes to our team. I love that she brings that desire to excel as a student to everything she does. She is so motivated to achieve and we are super lucky to have Nicole modeling that work ethic. She responded to the competition from Genesis and Emma and improved her fitness and her strength. She worked on weaknesses and consistently challenged herself in and out of practice. Nicole put in extra time and she raised her level of play with each season. Competing against Genesis for ladder positions must have been incredibly difficult but I admired the maturity and grace Nicole brought to each ladder match whether she played Genesis or Emma or Giselle. She gave it her best and supported all her teammates no matter her position. She advocated for teammates when someone struggled. She is a terrific academic mentor to younger team members. Nicole is committed to the team, and has helped our team achieve by motivating others on the team. Nicole is a dedicated and high-achieving student and I think she brought that level of commitment and analysis to her game. She is a terrific problem solver.

Nicole and her sister Genesis 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. Nicole and Genesis handled the competition with grace and sportsmanship while agreeing that an experienced referee improved the experience."

More about Nicole...

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 time as a student-athlete at Mount Holyoke College can easily be described as a journey where I was able to grow more passionate about a sport that has been a big part of my life. While we are currently having a non-traditional season because of the pandemic, I am very grateful that I get to practice and spend more time with my teammates and coach. Coming into college I was hesitant about my skill level which quickly faded as I became more comfortable with my team and the athletics department. I have been able to improve my skill level and confidence as a player. I have formed amazing friendships and will definitely miss being a student-athlete.

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

My favorite memories were always on game days. We did Secret Sister for every match we had. This is kind of a Secret Santa gift exchange, where we would pick one of our teammate's names out of a hat, and then write them a motivational quote or some words of encouragement for that day's match. We also would gift them their favorite snack or something to make them smile. This was something I loved to do for my teammates and was something I looked forward to during each game day.

What are your plans following graduation?

I hope to find employment in NYC, where I currently live. I have applied to jobs all over the city, but my ultimate goal is to work in an educational non-profit or become a research assistant in psychology.

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 parents. Being a first-generation college student can have its obstacles, but there wasn't anything we couldn't handle together.

Besides my family, my biggest supporters at Mount Holyoke were Coach Erin and my friends. Especially my fellow class of 2021 teammates since we spent so much time together both in and out of season.

What is your favorite Mount Holyoke tradition?

My favorite tradition would definitely have to be Convocation! I love seeing everyone dressed up in their class color and have fun the day before classes start. Everyone is smiling, laughing, and cheering on the graduating class. It is bittersweet that my class year was not able to have a regular convocation, however, I am optimistic that we will celebrate in the future.

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

Enjoy every moment because it goes by so quickly! I know that times can be stressful with classes and competition, but remember to make the most out of every moment. Give it your all and leave no regrets behind!