Every Thursday, I leave the office for the subway with my squash bag over my shoulder. While I once led the Lafayette College club squash team, I took a hiatus from the game before finding an opportunity to return at StreetSquash. Moving to the city from Hoboken, I wanted to join a local program where I could make a genuine impact through consistent involvement, and squash became the perfect medium.

16 months later, I look forward to each weekly evening practice. As soon as I get to the courts, I greet familiar faces and ask Katiria and Joanne how I can help. Whether I’m leading drills on court or jumping straight into matchplay with students, I provide hands-on instruction and pass along tips I picked up from my own playing days. It’s rewarding to see the growth in both skill and maturity among each of the kids I work with. Their dedication and passion to get better each day never wavers, making each session a joy to be a part of.

The values of StreetSquash are reflected in everyone that participates. The tireless, outstanding coaching team (Katiria, Joanne, Simba, and Rick) brings their best to each practice, and consequently bring out the best in the team. It’s an electric environment where everyone simultaneously pushes and roots for each other. It’s an easy group to get behind and each practice provides a brief sense of escapism from the real world.

The program is immensely and healthily competitive. While the group as a whole contains plenty of talent, their drive to be better and do better is contagious. Not only do they want to be better than their past selves and their peers, but they put in the action to do it – asking specific questions on shot placement and strategy or putting extra effort into ghosting to make their footwork on court seem second-nature. This is especially evident during the Junior Cup season, as they work hard alongside other members of the program to raise impressive funds for the program. 

I could not recommend volunteering more highly to any squash players interested in getting involved. While I may provide a small part, the program has certainly changed my life for the better, and I aim to continue consistent involvement for as long as I can. The StreetSquash community welcomed me with open arms, and I’m appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of the journey.