The StreetSquash Boys A team returns to the Specter Center as defending champions and the number one seed. Three student athletes from last year’s team are returning, while two new players will fill the spots of players who graduated. 

“CitySquash is seeded number two, they’ll be a tough competitor,” Katiria Sanchez, StreetSquash’s Manager of Squash said. “But we did it last year against them and I’m hoping to do it again this year.” 

Meanwhile the Boys B team is seeded number three and the Girls A team is the sixth seed. So expectations are high for all StreetSquash participants. The Girls team will travel with six players (one of whom will serve as an alternate). Both boys teams will have five players in attendance.

Of note on the Girls team is Rokaya, a middle schooler who will be playing as the number one on the team. At just 12-years-old, she’s already rated a 3.76 and is among one of the best squash players in the StreetSquash program. 

On the Boys B team, Diene, a senior, will be attending his first and last SEA Team Nationals event.

Ahead of the tournament, StreetSquash has been hosting “Challenge Matches” at the facility. This is what determines the lineup for each StreetSquash team in Philadelphia. 

“We have a general ladder, and off of that ladder we determine matchups,” Katiria said. “Then the kids play and that determines their spot in the lineup.”

In the week leading up to Philadelphia, StreetSquash will host multiple workshops in order to help players in their off court preparation.

Assistant Squash Professional Joanne Schickerling will host a nutrition workshop to educate the students on how to properly fuel their bodies ahead of a long weekend of matches.

Rick Penders, StreetSquash’s Head Squash Professional will do a workshop on pre match, during match, and post match routines which will help prepare students on doing the right things and not getting distracted amongst all the noise and the pressure that comes with playing a large-scale tournament at the official home of U.S. Squash. 

Squash Director Simba Muhwati will conduct a mental toughness workshop to help players remain focused if during the course of a match, things don’t always go their way.

“A lot of our players are playing at levels that require a lot of discipline and focus,” Katiria said. “At times when shots or points don’t go their way, or calls are made that they disagree with, they tend to lose their focus. This will help them have strategies in their toolbox that they can resort to in those scenarios.” 

Players will also participate in a squash rules 101 workshop hosted by Katiria. Participants at SEA Teams serve as referees for their teammates’ and opponent’s matches so this workshop will refresh student’s knowledge of the rules including what scenarios warrant a stroke as opposed to a let. 

Each team will be guaranteed at least three matches during the weekend in Philadelphia. In addition to the 11 players participating, StreetSquash will be bringing more than a dozen middle school students to cheer on their teammates and to experience what the atmosphere is like at SEA Team Nationals. A few high school seniors who aren’t playing in the tournament will also be in attendance to watch the matches. 

“This is the first year I can remember where we’re going to be going back as defending champions,” Katiria said. “That’s a good feeling but also pretty nerve-wracking. But I feel confident that they’re ready and they know they’re ready.”