Columbia University Athletics

Joanne Schickerling joined Columbia's staff as an assistant coach in the fall of 2013 and was promoted to associate head coach in the summer of 2017. She also served as the interim head coach of the squash during the 2021-22 academic year. Schickerling came to the Lions after serving five seasons as an assistant coach for the Trinity College women’s squash and tennis programs.

At Trinity, she coached one of the top national squash teams to a No. 2 final ranking in the country last season. Trinity compiled a 16-2 record and went on to compete in the 2013 Howe Cup National Championship match against Harvard. Schickerling has coached some of the nation’s best squash players, including the 2009 CSA National Singles Champion and the runner-ups in 2011 and 2013. 

Schickerling received her level 2 USA coaching squash certification in 2017 and currently serves on the College Squash Association (CSA) Board and chairs the CSA Women’s and DEI committees.  She is also involved in leading the community outreach efforts at Street Squash. 

As a squash player in South Africa, Schickerling was selected for the provincial team as well as the national U19 team. As a student athlete, she competed at Indiana State University in women’s tennis and earned a national ranking in doubles along with winning the Missouri Valley Conference championship in 2008.  During her summers, Schickerling continued to play squash by competing with her league team in South Africa and by working with national squash camps. By her senior season, she was ranked sixth in the country U19.