Photo by Gonzalo Chavez, CrimMedia
The 14th Annual StreetSquash Junior Cup presented by Stonepeak was defined by record-breaking fundraising, expanded participation, and several first-time achievements that reflected the continued growth of the StreetSquash community.
Over 100 junior squash players from across New York City came together for a day of competition and community, collectively raising more than $170,000 in support of StreetSquash programming. This marks the highest fundraising total in Junior Cup history! All proceeds from the Junior Cup directly support StreetSquash’s year-round programming, which provides academic support, college and career readiness, mental health services, and intensive squash instruction.
A major feature of this year’s event was the introduction of its first-ever named presenting sponsor, Stonepeak. Their partnership represents a significant milestone for the event and a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for young people. Stonepeak is a New York City-based infrastructure investment firm that invests in essential systems that power daily life across transportation, energy, digital, and logistics networks. Their partnership with StreetSquash reflects a shared belief in building foundational systems that create long-term opportunity and impact for communities. This relationship is also strengthened by Board Member James Wyper’s commitment to StreetSquash.
Members of Stonepeak | Photo by Gonzalo Chavez, CrimMedia
This year’s Junior Cup saw extraordinary individual and team fundraising efforts across the board. Leading the way was first-time participant Nicholas Armstrong-Shakib, who raised over $32,000 for StreetSquash programming and helped propel the New York Nicks to the top fundraising team spot. Across more than 200 individual donors, his campaign set the tone for a highly engaged and competitive fundraising field.
Nicholas Armstrong-Shakib | Photo by Gonzalo Chavez, CimMedia
Also making a major impact was Dylan Ellant of Harlem Squash Club, who independently raised over $11,000. His efforts helped Harlem Squash Club secure one of the top team fundraising positions.
Dylan Ellant | Photo by Gonzalo Chavez, CrimMedia
In addition, StreetSquash participants demonstrated increased engagement in fundraising this year, collectively raising more than $7,000 in support of their own community.
Top honors for StreetSquash’s fundraising went to Journeih Sultan, a StreetSquash senior, who raised $1,430!
Team and Individual Standings
The top five fundraising teams between the two sessions were:
- New York Nicks: $33,898*
- Harlem Squash Club: $14,631*
- SquashRx: $9,238*
- StreetSquash: $7,731*
- Apawamis: $7,700*
*These fundraising totals reflect the amounts as of the day of the Junior Cup. Some additional money has come in following the event
The top fundraising teams in each session received a custom-branded StreetSquash Harrow Havoc backpack for their efforts.
New York Nicks with their Harrow Backpacks | Photo by Gonzalo Chavez, CrimMedia
The top five individual fundraisers were:
- Nicholas Armstrong-Shakib: $32,298*
- Dylan Ellant: $11,140*
- Grayson Parr: $4,102*
- Flora Giannoulias: $2,700*
- Julian Park-Jacobs: $2,500*
*These fundraising totals reflect the amounts as of the day of the Junior Cup. Some additional money has come in following the event
Nicholas had a total of 200 donors supporting his efforts, while Dylan had 163. For his extraordinary accomplishment, Nicholas earned a Harrow racquet and bag, as well as a gift card to Harlem Shake. Journeih Sultan, a StreetSquash senior, was the “StreetSquasher” who raised the most money, bringing in $1,430.
On the Court
The 20 competing teams were split into four groups: two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
- Morning Red Group: Just Squash It won 20 of their 24 matches to secure first place. The Sabers followed in second, winning 16 of their 24 matches.
- Morning Blue Group: Apawamis led the pack with 18 wins. Close behind in second place was StreetSquash with 16 wins.
- Afternoon Red Group: Harlem Squash Club emerged as the victors with 17 wins, edging out Love All, who finished in second with 15.
- Afternoon Blue Group: SquashRx finished atop the group with 17 wins, while Boast Mode finished just one win shy with 16.
Community and Corporate Sponsors
The success of the Junior Cup was made possible through the support of a strong network of partners.
GameChanger joined as a bronze sponsor, supporting the event’s mission to make youth sports more connected and accessible.
Sameer Ahuja of Gamechanger with StreetSquash students & staff | Photo by Gonzalo Chavez, CrimMedia
Spear Physical Therapy provided dynamic warm-ups at the start of each session and offered on-site support throughout the day to help players stay healthy and match-ready.
Spear Dynamic Warmup | Photo by Gonzalo Chavez, CrimMedia
Additional partners including Harrow Sports, Raising Cane’s, and Harlem Shake helped bring energy and excitement to the event. Raising Cane’s team members were on-site serving refreshments and distributing prizes, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
View and download high-resolution images here: Morning Session | Afternoon Session
Photos by Gonzalo Chavez, CrimMedia
