It’s been 12 years since Liz Rose graduated from StreetSquash’s after-school program, yet squash remains an integral part of her every day. She’s the Head Coach of Fieldston High School’s squash team and does private coaching and clinics as well. She’s heavily involved with NY Squash and joined their board in 2020.
She first started at StreetSquash in 2004 as a 13-year-old and graduated in 2010. She was introduced to the program while at Thurgood Marshall Academy when StreetSquash was there giving a presentation at an open house. Liz wanted to participate in some kind of sport and StreetSquash fit the bill.
When she first started participating in the organization she realized she was pretty good at squash and immediately fell in love with playing.
Taking trips is what she remembers most about her time at StreetSquash.
“Weekend trips, college visits, and homestays were always a blast,” Liz said. “I used to make up silly songs on the road to instrumental beats on my Nokia phone in middle school and my teammates would sing them with me.”
Liz went on to play varsity squash at Franklin and Marshall during all four years there. She then got a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Creative Development from the Pratt Institute. She spent five years as an art therapist.
She says StreetSquash helped bring out her personality.
“StreetSquash has influenced me to become more outspoken and adventurous,” Liz said. “I’ve been able to accomplish that through friendships with my teammates, making new friends in the squash world, and my experience traveling for squash.”
She says the traveling is reason enough for students to give StreetSquash a try.
“The best opportunities and experience in the program are traveling abroad and out of state for tournaments,” Liz said. “My eyes have been opened to so many things and I’ve made friends in other states that still last today.”
Liz is married to another former StreetSquasher, Terrance Rose.
“Thank you to all the staff from the past who helped me on my journey through the program and who have been supportive of me as an alum,” Liz said. “Shout out to George [StreetSuqash’s Founder and Executive Director]! He has also been supportive of my life goals. I don’t see him often but when I do I can expect a big smile, a warm welcome, and a life check-in. StreetSquash focuses on academics and squash, but it is more than these two things to me.”
