Hi! My name is Eliza and I am a Product Manager at Instacart. I first began playing squash in middle school with Simba Muhwati (Director of Squash at StreetSquash) in Boston and I went on to play at Milton Academy and then Williams College. I have volunteered with StreetSquash for the last three years as a tutor, squash coach, and member of the Young Leadership Committee (YLC). I’m passionate about having a positive impact on those around me and am eager to grow the game of squash.
StreetSquash has given me an unmatched opportunity to give back to a community that I care about, and pay forward many of the skill sets I’ve learned over the course a lifetime playing a sport that I love.
Volunteering at StreetSquash is the highlight of my week. I have been tutoring the same student, Terry, for the last two years, and it’s been an incredible experience watching his growth and development throughout high school. While we often review homework and upcoming assignments, I am also focused on teaching strategies on organization and process, all of which I also relied on as a student and now in my professional career. Whether we are breaking down a math problem or outlining a history essay, I reinforce the importance of laying down a strong foundation and establishing good habits that are transferrable beyond the classroom.
In addition to tutoring, I also volunteer as a squash coach on the weekends. I primarily coach high schoolers, and I cherish working and playing with the same group of students – helping them improve their squash techniques and court tactics. These students are also learning life skills on the court that will extend far beyond their time at StreetSquash – grit, determination, overcoming a tough loss, and the value of teamwork even within an individual sport.
During my time as a volunteer, I’ve also learned a tremendous amount from Simba and Terry. Simba is an exceptional leader: inspiring, motivating, principled, mission-driven, approachable, and passionate. He’s also shown me firsthand the importance of creating a culture that’s welcoming, fosters a strong sense of community, and focuses on personal development. Simba is growing squash players, but more importantly he’s cultivating the best in each student. Terry reaffirms the significance of positive reinforcement and celebrating the wins – no matter how big or how small – in making consistent and steady progress. Terry’s expanding confidence propels him forward and seemingly small but consistent gains have amounted to tremendous change over the last two years, which has been inspiring to watch.
Contributing to the incredible work that StreetSquash does brings me immense joy. I’m passionate about having a positive impact on those around me and motivated to grow access to a game that has been so instrumental to my personal and educational growth. And, I’m grateful for the lessons and wisdom Simba, Terry, and the organization have imparted upon me. I look forward to being part of StreetSquash for a long time and furthering its inspiring mission.
