Cody Levy realized quickly that StreetSquash was a way to get him out of his shell. He started the program at the recommendation of his mother in the summer of 2004 at 13 years old. He graduated in 2009. 

He was a bit nervous when he started the program that first summer. But over time, he became a lot more comfortable. 

“I started opening up a little bit to the staff that was there at the time and also other kids,” Cody said. “I’m very quiet and laid back and don’t like to say too much. But once I feel the energy of a group of people, and I like them, that’s all that matters to me.”

He said he immediately learned how intense the sport is, but he was able to pick it up in a relatively short amount of time. He’s thankful for the opportunities squash gave him to travel and be part of experiences outside Harlem.

“It was great getting to know players from CitySquash, SquashBusters, and SquashSmarts,” Cody said. 

“It was more than a team. We were family,” Cody said. “I looked at everyone there as my brothers and sisters. We went through some good times and bad times but we always stood together no matter what.” 

But StreetSquash was also big in helping Cody with his academics. 

“My grades and study habits changed pretty drastically,” Cody said. “I was on the honor roll three times in a row during my four years in high school. And it wasn’t easy. But getting all the help from StreetSquash is something that I cherish every day.” 

StreetSquash helped teach Cody the importance of taking advantage of opportunities. Cody was always a fan of art, which is what he majored in at Buffalo State University. During the summers, he’d come back to StreetSquash, and one summer, founder George Polsky introduced Cody to “Haystack Mountain School of Crafts” in Deer Isle, Maine. 

“We were housed in the woods and we did incredible art,” Cody said.

He was close to turning down the opportunity, though. 

“One thing I learned is don’t turn down an opportunity and wait for the last minute,” Cody said. “You might not get another opportunity like that. Where we come from, there’s not a lot of opportunities and if you don’t take it, you’re the fool.” 

StreetSquash also introduced him to an opportunity to paint murals across New York City. He worked with a group of people to create murals in the Bronx and in Brooklyn. 

Currently, Cody is working a job in security but is always keeping his eyes open for more opportunities to pursue art. He looks back fondly on his time at StreetSquash.