Jordano Coffie started his StreetSquash journey in the earlier years, back in 2002. As a young teenager, Jordano was intrigued by the idea of going to a college campus daily after school, where StreetSquash used to host practices prior to the opening of its facility in 2008. 

He was introduced to the program through his English teacher, who he overheard talking to other students about the program. 

“I was very inquisitive at the time, so the notion of going to a university in a place unbeknownst to me already had me hooked,” Jordano said. 

The first day he arrived at programming, he expressed his emotions as “nervously excited.”

“I remember walking toward the gates at Columbia University, and seeing these two statues guarding the gateways,” Jordano said. “And as I crossed through, I felt like I was transported to a new old world.” 

For Jordano, the surroundings alone were enough to keep him coming back. 

“I was really intrigued by the architecture at the university since I was and still am a super fan of Greek and Roman mythos. So my imagination was running wild,” Jordano said. “Just by being able to go to this place, in my mind, I was already winning.” 

But once inside, he enjoyed the adventure of making it to a basement where Columbia University houses its squash courts. 

“Arriving to the courts was another bit of fun because we had to go to a sub-level of the university’s gymnasium,” Jordano said. “I remember seeing the hallways where the courts were located, and I was like, ‘this is it, I am here,’ and the rest was history.” 

Jordano is especially thankful for the organization’s founder and longtime Executive Director, George Polsky. 

“George Polsky is StreetSquash because he made it possible for a kid like me growing up in a household like mine to be able to be in spaces that were considered to be privileged,” Jordano said. 

After graduating high school, Jordano stayed close by to continue playing squash and volunteer with the organization on the weekends.

“Squash was life back then and I wanted to give back as much as I could with my time to those who were just coming up into the sport,” Jordano said. “StreetSquash was a safe place for me, and I wanted it to be a safe place for others where they could just let out on the court.”

During his college years, Jordano spent some time at the Borough of Manhattan Community College but struggled with his grades and with finances. He went to the Netherlands to try and finish his studies there but the language barrier made things difficult. 

However, he made a commitment to learn Dutch and now currently lives in the Netherlands working for Alliance Automotive, trying to work his way up to a leadership position. He’s also dipping his toes in some entrepreneurial projects on the side. 

“StreetSquash has influenced the person that I am today by not giving up just because one door has closed,” Jordano said. “They helped me understand that there could be another door ready to open.” 

Jordano says students in Harlem should definitely take advantage of StreetSquash.

“It’s hard at first trying to balance school, friends, and a new sport, but know that StreetSquash will be there with you at every step if you so choose,” Jordano said. “Don’t be afraid or ashamed to be candid with them because they are there to help you to get you where you need and would want to be in your future.”