When Osiris P. (Class of 2025)  started StreetSquash in the summer of 2018, Osiris’ mother, Silvia, heard from a friend about what a positive experience her friend’s son had.

“She said it was an amazing program,” Silvia said. “There were amazing opportunities for kids to not only learn the sport and practice, but also participate in activities outside New York City.”

Silvia said her son enjoyed every moment from the very beginning.

“He was very excited because the coach was excellent,” Silvia said. “The impact of the coach, as well as the culture, were a big part of his experience.” 

With Osiris just two years away from graduating high school, Silvia says StreetSquash has improved his attitude about school and has prepared him for life after graduation.

“StreetSquash made a huge impact in terms of his growth and maturity,” Silvia said. “I don’t have to push him to be responsible.” 

Silvia added that StreetSquash has shown Osiris how beneficial it is for a student to be involved in both academics and athletics.

“He has matured and now understands that he has to be a great player and a great student, and how the two go hand-in-hand,” Silvia said. 

Osiris has been awarded Scholar-Athlete three years in a row by StreetSquash staff in 2020, 2021, and 2022. In 2022, he noted how StreetSquash’s tutoring services have significantly improved his math scores. Early in his middle school career, Osiris said he would fail his math classes. But he’s been consistently averaging 85 or above since getting free tutoring assistance at StreetSquash.

On the squash court, he’s earned three first-place finishes at Junior Bronze events over the past two years, and four additional top-three finishes over the same time period. 

Silvia says that Osiris will take any opportunity he gets to visit the SL Green StreetSquash Center.

“This is like his second family,” Silvia said. “Any time he has the opportunity to come, he’ll leave the house and be there all the time.” 

For other caregivers considering taking the chance on StreetSquash, Silvia says it’s definitely worth a shot. 

“I definitely encourage any parent to give their kid the opportunity to try the program,” Silvia said. “Once they try it, they’re most likely going to love it.” 

Silvia added that StreetSquash is a huge asset for the community. 

“StreetSquash gives students a second safe place to go outside their home,” Silvia said. “And it’s not just about sports. It’s about all aspects of his life. This program has had a lot of impact not just on my child, but I’ve seen it through other kids. And it lessens barriers for kids of certain ethnic backgrounds.”