NEW HAVEN, Conn. –Dave Talbott, the Brooks G. Ragen Director of Squash at Yale, has announced his retirement after a 38-year career with the Bulldogs. Associate head coach Lynn Leong has been named interim head coach effective February 1, 2021.
 
Talbott, a six-time National Champion and eight-time Ivy League Champion, came to Yale in 1983. He was just the third men's head coach at Yale since 1934 and became the sixth-ever women's coach for the Elis in 2004.
 
Talbott led the Bulldogs to six College Squash Association (CSA) National Championships, helping the men to CSA titles in 1989, 1990 and 2016, and the women to CSA championships in 2005, 2006 and 2011. In addition to his six national crowns, Talbott won eight Ivy League Championships, six with the men (1989, 1990, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2016) and two with the women (2005, 2011).
 
"For nearly four decades, Dave has been synonymous with Yale University, the Yale Athletics Department and Yale Squash. Not only did he bring our programs to multiple national championships, he made an indelible mark on countless student-athletes that have come through the Brady Squash Center," said Victoria M. "Vicky" Chun, Thomas A. Beckett Director of Athletics. "Dave has built two storied programs that will continue to have success, but we will miss his enthusiasm, energy and ability to bring out the best in those he is around."
 
Talbott coached his first national champion when Hugh LaBossier '86 won the US National Championship in 1986 which set the standard for numerous Yale national champions, All-Americans and All-Ivy League performers to follow. In 1989 Yale won their first National Championship in 27 years.
 
"The fact that I had the opportunity to be head coach and develop the squash program for 38 years at Yale is absolutely amazing. I have had an incredible experience here with the best players and most accomplished student-athletes from around the world. The support for myself and my wife Ann has been overwhelming both from a squash and personal standpoint," said Talbott. "The friendships, support and connection with the Yale Community have made these past 38 years the best. A special thanks to all of who have made The Brady Squash Center, The Skillman Association and the success of the Yale Squash Program possible. The future is bright for Yale Squash and Yale Athletics with more success to come under Athletic Director Vicky Chun and her team in Yale Athletics."


 
Highly regarded throughout the game of squash, Talbott has served as secretary and pro tour coordinator for the World Professional Squash Association (WPSA) while he competed on the WPSA through the 1970's until his move to Yale in 1983. Turning professional at 20, Talbott was a touring pro who reached a high of No. 12 on the WPSA Tour. Talbott served in several capacities for the College Squash Association including President of the Intercollegiate Association in 2003-04.
 
Talbott, a native of Dayton, Ohio, grew up in a squash family, playing his first US National Championship at age 10. Talbott's father, G. Douglas Talbott, Yale '45, MD, was an age group champion who played his whole life and won the National 70-75 age group championship held at Yale in 1996. His brother Mark was the No.1 ranked professional in the US for 15 years before coming to coach the Yale Women from1998 to 2005. Dave continued to compete early on at Yale when possible and won the 1989 and 1990 World Professional Squash Association Legends Championship (35-and-over).
 
Talbott was selected to the CSA Hall of Fame in January of 2019. He was joined in the venerable class with one of his own players, Michelle Quibell '06.
 
A national search for the Brooks G. Ragen Director of Squash at Yale will be conducted in the Spring.