Dave Talbott

In his 23rd season at the helm of the men's squash program, David Talbott has built Yale into one of the most respected programs in the country. Only the third coach in the last 66 years, Talbott has led the Bulldogs to the top of the national rankings, finishing no lower than third in the country from 1989 through 1994. Yale has also finished in the top three in the country the last three seasons. The Bulldogs won the national championship in 1989 and 1990 and own a 269-62 record since Talbott arrived in New Haven in 1983. His record over the past seven years is an impressive 102-18 and Yale has won at least 10 matches in each of the last 19 years. Talbott, a native of Dayton, Ohio, had a distinguished playing career as a professional, obtaining a ranking as high as 12th in North America. He won the 1989 and 1990 World Professional Squash Association Legends Championship (35 and over), beating three of the famed Khan brothers on the way to the title. But he cannot even claim to be the best player in his family. His younger brother, Mark, was the top-ranked player on the North American professional tour for 15 years. Mark, who was the Yale women's squash coach for six seasons, won 160 professional titles for the Talbott family. Dave's father, Dr. G. Douglas Talbott, Yale Class of 1946W was formerly ranked No. 1 in the United States in the 70 and over age group. Talbott has served squash in many capacities beyond his playing and coaching. He has served as secretary and pro tour coordinator for the World Professional Squash Association. Talbott served as president of the Men's Intercollegiate Association the past two years. In addition, Talbott has served numerous times as director of the Intercollegiate Team Championships and helped host many junior and senior national championships. In 2002-03 Yale hosted both the USSRA Junior Olympics and the women's national championhip. In 2003-04 Yale hosted both the collegiate team championship as well as the USSRA 5-man team championship.