"I'd say my fitness is at a level that I'm happy with," Hanson said. "This summer I want to maintain my level of fitness, but work more on playing smart. I don't want to be that guy who runs down every ball and outlasts everyone else. I like playing an aggressive style and need to play smart and attack."
Hanson aims to train on the squash courts at least four times a week, but also has a variety of other methods for strengthening his on-court skills.
"I think cross training helps out my squash game. I've been playing some tennis, biking and running, especially with [Chris De Souza '13]," Hanson said.
Hanson will be able to train with fellow men's squash teammates Alex Kurth '13 and Robert Maycock '13, who both intend to keep regiments similar to Hanson's this summer.
"I'm a big fan of racquet sports, so I've been cross training with a lot of other racquet sports," Kurth said. "I also love being outdoors so I've been hitting the links a fair amount as well."
Kurth added that training with Hanson motivates him and the team to work hard.
"I respect Hanson's work ethic," Kurth said. "He works harder than everyone else and puts in the extra time. He deserves everything that he has accomplished in his first two years of collegiate squash."
Hanson realized the importance of hard work long before his success at Dartmouth. He excelled throughout his high school career, reaching a No. 2 national ranking in the Boys Under 19 division. Despite the near perfect ranking, Hanson knew there was room for improvement.
"Right after I graduated high school I looked at myself in the mirror and knew I was out of shape," Hanson said. "I thought to myself that I could be so much better at squash if I improved my fitness."
Never one to back down from a challenge, Hanson changed his diet and only ate chicken and vegetables for every meal for the next two months.
"It was tough to do that, but it was worth it," he said. "I came into Dartmouth in the best shape of my life."
Hanson attributes his improved fitness to his work ethic that summer.
"I just tried to work harder than everyone else," he said. "It's a philosophy I have used ever since and it's paid off."
Squash has been a part of Hanson's life for as long as he can remember. He first started playing squash when he was four years old after watching his father play the sport.
"My dad exposed me to it," Hanson said. "He had always played for fun and thought it would be a fun sport for me and him to enjoy together."
By the time he was nine, those around Hanson knew he had the potential to be great. He began taking squash more seriously and he played in junior squash tournaments.
"It's hard to play competitively before that age," Hanson said. "Boys Under 11 is the lowest age group and that's really when tournaments begin."
Hanson's interests and his work ethic transcend squash. Last October, Hanson ran 175 miles to raise money for breast cancer research.
This summer, Hanson plans to run in two or three triathlons to maintain his fitness level. He has also signed up for the 50-mile bike ride as part of the Prouty, a charity event that raises money for research at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center.
"The Upper Valley is so beautiful during the summer," Hanson said. "I think biking in the Prouty and doing triathlons are excellent opportunities to see the natural beauty of the Upper Valley while also challenging myself to stay in shape."
Hanson also plans to work at the summer squash camps at Dartmouth.
"I've never worked or gone to them, but it should be an exciting experience," he said. "I like helping out young kids because I was once their age learning the game. Hopefully I can help them develop a passion for the game that I love."
