My first day volunteering at StreetSquash, I didn’t know what to expect. I had previously played tournaments there and took note of the volunteering posters that hung on their walls. However, I soon discovered that volunteering is a whole different experience. I was suddenly transported into their vivacious world.

As a junior at the Dalton School in Manhattan, I was swamped with school work and extracurricular activities so I struggled to find time to play squash competitively as I did in the past. My first thought was to look into Streetsquash: a facility close to home where I was able to hit a ball around while making some sort of tangible impact. Despite my love for working with children, I had never been an instructor or teacher of squash because I was still learning it myself. Undoubtedly, I was extremely nervous being in such a position for the first time.

Immediately, I noticed an intoxicating buzz that took over the facility. As I walked down the stairs, a wave of red Streetsquash t-shirts danced below. The players were excitedly hugging each other and fighting to get on court first, an eagerness to play squash that I had not seen in a long time. I was welcomed by coaches Joanne, Katirina, and Rick. Their enthusiasm and deliberate efforts to integrate me into the community were warm and embracing. Watching from the side, I took note of their interactions with the middle schoolers: how the students’ faces lit up in conversations, secret handshakes, and personal questions about little details only a close friend would know. I then knew that StreetSquash was more than just coaching.

As a volunteer for squash, I was instructed to help with drills, games, and simply keep students on task. Even though I have only been volunteering since last September, I have witnessed staggering progress in performance. Middle schoolers who didn’t know how to serve the ball were hitting experienced and skillful shots, shots that took my peers and I years to master. Every week students come back with stories from their weekend tournaments, revealing Streetsquash’s commitment to truly improving the students. More than just enhancing squash skills, I find that Streetsquash boosts morale. The community that I, but more importantly the students, find there is unmatched. Nothing makes my week more enjoyable than watching someone hit a shot they never previously could or receiving a “Yay! You’re back!” when I walk in.

A few weeks ago, when Joanne first told me about the StreetSquash Annual Junior Cup I was thrilled. I finally had an excuse to talk non-stop, for weeks, to my friends and family about the organization I loved so much. I felt that this year’s fundraiser was an amazing representation of Streetsquash as an organization. That Saturday morning, over 100 people came together to play, raise money, and have fun, all of which gave back to the community. The buzz that day was stronger than ever. Everyone was laughing, dancing, and beaming with joy. As a proud member of the team which raised the most money, The Squash Academy Team, I closely watched the fundraising totals for weeks that led up to the event. Every time I refreshed the page, I was shocked by the significant rise in money raised, totaling to over $100,000! Everyone was working toward the same cause. In the awards ceremony that day, I was not surprised at all when the StreetSquash team played their best and won against the 50 people who competed in my division.

My first day at Streetsquash ended, as all days do, with the team chant, “Who are we? Streetsquash!” Every time I hear the chant I am reminded why I volunteer: the “we.” The community and the excellence that is born within it. Streetsquash’s mission statement reads, “StreetSquash’s mission is to provide consistent, long-term, and reliable support to the children, families, and schools in Harlem.” Yet, words cannot describe how much hard work and dedication is encapsulated in this statement. I am so happy to be a part of an organization that not only accomplishes, but excels in its mission.