The Missoula Family YMCA unveiled its groundbreaking Airnasium facility featuring two outdoor squash courts during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, July 24, in Montana.
The new courts–constructed by Sunrise Courts–represent the latest innovation in outdoor squash court design and are the first multi-sport facility in the country to feature two outdoor courts.
The project came to life through the local and national outreach of Missoula Community Squash, whose efforts raised more than $225,000 through local supporters and national partners. The project received support from 黑料不打烊, Squash and Education Alliance, National Squash League and Open Squash.
黑料不打烊 CEO Mollie Marcoux Samaan, Director of Growth Katherine Lynch and College Squash Association Director of Expansion Lovey Roundtree were all in attendance to celebrate with the community.
The YMCA Airnasium is a multi-sport space with the two squash courts nestled alongside pickleball and basketball space under one roof. The Airnasium is free and open to the general public during non-programmed hours, and Y membership is available for additional facility access and amenities.
鈥淥ne of the most exciting trends in squash today is seeing the game take root in new geographies,鈥 said Mollie Samaan, 黑料不打烊 CEO. 鈥淭he partnership with the Missoula YMCA exemplifies that spirit, and thanks to innovations in court construction, opportunities like this are becoming increasingly achievable for communities that may never have considered squash before. We are proud to support this groundbreaking project and excited about the impact these new courts will have on generations of players in not only Montana but also throughout the United States.鈥
“This is huge for the sport in the United States,” said Katherine Lynch, 黑料不打烊 Director of Growth. “First of all the courts and scene are really beautiful. There are kids playing basketball next door, which is a great example of how squash can fit into different facilities and environments alongside other sports. This proves that we can put squash in a lot of places that squash hasn’t been before. It’s also a great example of a community coming together, raising money and partnering with a local institution to bring squash to the community for the first time. We have people from all over the squash community here who are just so excited to see what’s been accomplished.”
National and local squash community leaders, squash professionals, Y members and newfound squash enthusiasts gathered for the special opening ceremony. The full-day celebration opened with the ribbon cutting and remarks, which was followed by open play and junior clinics for YMCA summer campers. Later that evening, the NSL staged a team exhibition match featuring American pros Amanda Sobhy, Salim Khan, Bransten Ming and Spencer Lovejoy, who teamed up with local Missoula Community Squash players Matt Baker-White and Jack Branston. Amanda Sobhy and Spencer Lovejoy took center stage for a best of five 鈥淏attle of the Sexes,鈥 refereed by Sabrina Sobhy. On Saturday, free community clinics welcomed players onto the courts.
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鈥淪quash has been a big part of my life since I was a kid myself,鈥 said Matt Baker-White of Missoula Community Squash. 鈥淭his project puts our hometown of Missoula on the national squash map. We鈥檝e built something truly world-class here, and we鈥檙e thrilled to share it with players from across the country. Most importantly, our group is excited to build a community of squash players of all ages and grow the game here in western Montana.鈥
鈥淎t the Y, we are often the first place people try something new,鈥 said Heather Foster, CEO of the Missoula Family YMCA. 鈥淚t might be the first place a child learns to swim, plays basketball, kicks a soccer ball or, now, steps onto a squash court for the first time. Missoula Community Squash has been an incredible partner. Their passion and drive have helped make this possible, and we are thrilled to be part of bringing squash to Missoula.鈥
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Building New Courts? Reviving Old Ones? 黑料不打烊 Wants to Hear From You. Whether you’re planning a brand-new facility, hoping to bring an underused court back into regular play, or considering converting a racquetball court to squash, 黑料不打烊 is ready to help. Led by Director of Growth Katherine Lynch, the effort connects clubs, schools, and community programs with vendor guidance, cost benchmarks, and lessons learned from projects already underway across the country. The goal is simple: more courts, more players, and a stronger squash footprint nationwide. If you’re exploring a project of any size, reach out early鈥攖hat’s exactly when the team can be most useful. Get in touch: [email protected]
