Prior to the 2019-20 season, Bates Director of Athletics Jason Fein announced the appointment of Reinhold Hergeth, head professional at Chelsea Piers of Connecticut and a former student-athlete at Trinity College, as head coach of men's and women's squash. Hergeth became the seventh head coach in the 34-year history of both programs.
In his first season at Bates, Hergeth's men's team finished 12-8 with a No. 19 national ranking, while the women's team finished 16th in the country with a 12-7 record.
"We are delighted to have Reinhold Hergeth joining our staff as our new head coach of men's and women's squash," said Fein. "His experience as a player and squash professional, as well as his familiarity with the NESCAC made him the perfect choice for Bates. It won't take long for our student-athletes, parents, alumni, and fans to experience his passion and enthusiasm for squash and for teaching every student-athlete to maximize their potential both on and off the courts."
At Trinity, the perennial national champion in men's squash, Hergeth played for four years among the Bantams' starting nine, helping them win three national titles while earning a bachelor's degree in anthropology in 2013. A native of Blomfontein, South Africa, Hergeth has played professionally, and represented Free State Province on 10 occasions at the renowned Jarvis Kaplan Cup international tournament.
"I am beyond privileged to become a member of the diverse Bates squash family," said Hergeth. "I understand what it means to leave one's own family and culture in order to pursue a career, while playing squash at a competitive level. In order for a team to function as one, it is crucial to find a balance between the competition in itself, while maintaining the highest level of respect and admiration for your team. I believe that the coach's role is imperative in this process of integration."
Hergeth immediately headed into coaching upon graduation from Trinity, becoming lead squash professional at Chelsea Piers in Stamford, Conn., in January 2014. In 2017 he was promoted to head squash professional at the club.
At Chelsea Piers, Hergeth has coached club members of all levels of ability and age groups; was responsible for all junior programming from beginners to elite; managed various junior and adult tournaments; and coached and traveled with the Chesea Piers travel team throughout the United States. Hergeth was also head varsity coach at New Canaan High School for five years.
