When Xavier Harrison stepped into Thurgood Marshall Academy, StreetSquash was in its infancy, still working to recruit its first group of students. Xavier was first introduced to the program during orientation heading into his 7th-grade year in 2000, one year after StreetSquash first began programming.
One of Xavier’s best friends, Justin, joined the program during its inaugural year. Justin’s entry into the program meant that Xavier no longer had a friend to walk home with. So Xavier figured he’d join the program as well.
“That’s an example of positive peer pressure that got me involved,” Xavier said.
Starting the program at 14, Xavier said he was egotistical, competitive, and ready to dive in head first.
“I wanted to be a prodigy day one,” Xavier said. “I learned very quickly that was not going to happen.”
He says the rigor of squash and academic training taught him patience and the importance of consistent effort. Juggling weekday sessions at the Harvard Club with weekend training at Columbia University, Xavier embraced the structure and camaraderie StreetSquash offered.
Reflecting on some of his favorite memories, he touched upon an unforgettable trip to DC that went hilariously awry, as the team got lost and ended up near the Pentagon. Despite the mishap, Xavier fondly recalls the togetherness and laughter that turned a navigation mishap into an enduring memory.
Xavier also said that he and a group of other StreetSquashers were a part of Jeremy’s Heroes, a group that received special support for squash tournaments across the nation, enjoying a taste of luxury accommodations.
“We were staying at a lot nicer hotels than StreetSquash had had us in in the past,” Xavier said with a chuckle.
However, a grueling training schedule led to burnout, imparting a vital lesson in the need for balance and self-care.
“We were literally at StreetSquash seven days a week whether it was private lessons, community service or just regular practices,” Xavier said. “That was my first experience as a young adult learning that sometimes you have to give yourself a break.”
Xavier cherishes the lasting friendships forged. He says about 98% of his friends from when he was in the program are still people he speaks with to this day. He also remains in touch with his mentor, Robert Gibralter from his time as a student. Robert is currently an employee at the Squash and Education Alliance.
Following his high school graduation, Xavier’s journey took an unconventional trajectory. College was a stepping stone, but financial setbacks forced him to pivot. An introduction to the world of digital marketing through StreetSquash founder George Polsky opened doors, eventually leading him to his role as Digital Media Director of Paid Search at VaynerMedia.
Xavier also serves on StreetSquash’s board of directors, where he aims to foster a networking community of alumni.
Xavier attributes the program for equipping him with the confidence and empathy to navigate professional realms. He also says the program allowed him to accelerate in his career more quickly.
“I feel like doors would not have opened as quickly on my own as they did with StreetSquash,” Xavier said.
He says one of the biggest things he learned from his time at StreetSquash is the power of relationships.
“Your network is what runs the world,” Xavier said.
Xavier says if he were talking to prospective students about joining the program, he’d first ask them what they want to get out of it.
“It’s always good to have a glimpse of knowing the type of person you are, so you know how to explore and get the most out of it.”
But he adds that the great thing about StreetSquash is that the program is a perfect fit regardless of the kind of student you might be at the current moment.
“The wonderful thing about StreetSquash is that it’s adaptable,” Xavier said. “Whether you’re an introvert, an extrovert, an A student, or an average student, it’s wonderful for anybody coming into the program.”