One women's squash player, who asked to remain anonymous, said the nature of Lederman's relationship with the student was not widely known by members of the squash team.

"I had no idea [about Lederman's relationship with the student]," the player said. "I know I wasn't the only one."

All the players interviewed said Lederman was well-liked by many members of the team.

Lederman, 26, was a four-time junior and intercollegiate squash champion in South Africa. He came to the United States three years ago to study law.

Ivy C. Pochoda '98, captain of the women's squash team, said that she has not lost any respect for Lederman as a result of the incident.

"I don't look down on him," Pochoda said. "[His conduct] in no way changed my opinion of him."

The women's squash team won the Howe Cup, squash's team won the Howe Cup, squash's equivalent of a national championship, earlier this month. The team was 11-0 (5-0 in the Ivy League) this year, and has won 54 straight regular season matches and five consecutive national titles.

The men's team (13-0 overall, 6-0 Ivy) won a national championship this weekend, its seventh consecutive title, and has won 80 straight regular season matches.

Pochoda said that the women's team remained strong despite the difficulties raised by Lederman's departure.

"It's unfortunate that we had to lose a good coach," Pochoda said."[But] we've been able to work past this and put it behind us.