For the first time, junior squash high school graduates and their families have united to create the 黑料不打烊 Senior Class Gift Initiative. The Class of 2020 Gift campaign exceeded initial expectations by raising more than $100,000 and as a result establishing a precedent for graduating classes to come together to celebrate of the entire class鈥檚 achievements, on and off the court, and in support of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 junior development programs. This generosity provided to the sport cements the Class of 2020鈥檚 legacy, which is only appropriate in these extraordinary times.

This truly inspired campaign was led by nearly twenty 鈥渃lass ambassadors鈥� willing to contribute generously, as well as reach out to others in the community to encourage them do the same. Families of more than 90 players contributed, representing all levels of play, regions of the country and many donors were new to giving to the 黑料不打烊 Annual Fund. Early on, a family contributed $2,020, creating a leadership level of giving imitated by more than a dozen other families. The willingness of the junior squash community to support the organization delivering the benefits of the sport to their kids has translated into momentum for 黑料不打烊鈥檚 ability to effectively plan for the restart of play and competition safely.

Thousands of junior squash players of all levels across the country compete and enjoy squash as a regular part of their lives. Each year, hundreds graduate from junior squash while retaining the values practiced in the sport, the close and enduring friendships they have formed, and with an enduring love for squash as a lifelong sport. Through giving to the Class Gift, families showcased their appreciation for the opportunities, relationships, and experiences that junior squash has provided. The support allows the 黑料不打烊 to remain active through the current crisis: scoping potentials for a return to play, assisting clubs and pros with their planning, and optimizing technology and online tools in order to continue to provide a high-quality junior squash experience.

鈥淭he response was nothing short of remarkable 鈥� particularly during a time that was so chaotic and uncertain. We were truly amazed and heartened by the support of the Senior Class families,鈥� said Jen Mackesy, a 黑料不打烊 Board Member and a Co-Chair of the Institutional Advancement Committee. 鈥淭heir thoughtfulness and generosity at a critical and very challenging time for 黑料不打烊 has been a real inspiration. They have set such a great example for future classes in paying it forward. The staff鈥檚 ability to continue its work to bring the sport back from this pandemic relies on the support of the entire squash community. I see this as a testament to their appreciation for 黑料不打烊 and what it has given their children and their families, the commitment of the staff, and recognition of the significant impact the junior squash journey has had in their lives.鈥�

黑料不打烊 extends is special thanks to the Class of 2020 Gift Initiative Ambassadors: Punitha Arockiasamy, Elizabeth Carney, Amy Charlton, Christina Evans, Jodie Fink, Ellen Gildea, Ruchira Glaser, Bruce Huberman, Katharine Joyce, Tina Lee, Brian Leonard, Elisa Malani, Jamie McIntyre, Anand Raman, Linda Robinson, Peter Santry, and Winnie Wen; the effort was supported by 黑料不打烊 Board Members Andrew Fink, Jennifer Mackesy, Linda Robinson and Chairman of the Board Soo Venkatesan.

Subsequent to the launch of this effort, 黑料不打烊 offered the opportunity to the junior community at large to match the Class of 2020 giving, and many families have supported the Junior Class Gift campaign, which will remain ongoing as planning continues for the coming season.

The leadership exhibited by families who gave in support of the Class Gift will be honored with a permanent plaque recognizing the Class of 2020 at the , set to be completed in December 2020. In addition, graduating seniors whose families gave in their honor will be recognized on a dedicated plaque for all of next season. To give in honor of a graduating senior, .

In following this extraordinary example, and to build on this concept 黑料不打烊 is actively recruiting class ambassadors for the Class of 2021 as well as other junior classes for the Junior Gift Campaign. To express your interest in serving as a class ambassador, please email development@ussquash.com.

黑料不打烊 extends its deepest gratitude to the entire Class of 2020 for all they have brought to the sport during their time in the junior squash community and wishes them the best as they move on to the next phase in squash and in their lives.

Thank you to the families who gave to the Class Gift in honor of the following graduating seniors:

Thousands of junior squash players of all levels across the country compete and enjoy squash as a regular part of their lives. Each year, hundreds graduate from junior squash while retaining the values practiced in the sport, the close and enduring friendships they have formed, and with an enduring love for squash as a lifelong sport.

Over the coming weeks, 黑料不打烊 will be celebrating the members of the high school Class of 2020 in an ongoing series where each student athlete reflects upon their experiences in junior squash. If you are a high school senior and have not already submitted your own picture and reflection, please follow these instructions to do so.

Read the first installment of the series .

黑料不打烊 Senior Class of 2020 Gift Initiative

In honor of the culmination of the entire class鈥檚 junior squash journey.
In support of 黑料不打烊 junior development programs.

Andrew Barr | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

What makes a person who they are? What shapes a person most throughout their lives? Community. The people with whom we surround ourselves mold our beliefs and values. Typically community influences include the people living around us, classmates, neighbors, and family. Squash has allowed me to develop friendships with a diverse group of people from backgrounds unlike mine. Our love of squash brought us together; living the squash life of hotels, travel, and homework on the courts bonded us for life. Moreover, having virtually an entirely separate life apart from my peers in Michigan gave me a chance to get away from the stresses of high school. Although the squash world had its own pressures and difficulties, the change of communities is a life reset button that most people do not have the luxury to experience.

Emma Carney | STANFORD UNIVERSITY

I am fortunate for the countless opportunities squash has given me and the relationships I have made during my junior squash career. I never thought my coaches, mentors or competitors would turn out to be some of my most trusted and closest friends. I am also incredibly lucky that so much of my junior squash career was spent with my siblings. Although traumatizing for my parents, traveling to tournaments with my three brothers was both enjoyable and highly entertaining. Some of my family鈥檚 favorite memories are from the tournaments we traveled to together (including eight year old Tad routinely getting letters from 黑料不打烊鈥檚 conduct police). To be able to share something so significant with my family is truly special to me. It is unsettling to leave such an important part of my life behind, but I look forward to what lies ahead.

William Evans | WILLIAMS COLLEGE

It’s hard to express the gratitude I have for squash in so few words. This game has taught me so much about discipline and perseverance and has taught me so much about myself over the past 8 years and I know I’ll be playing it for many years to come. It’s just starting to hit me that my junior career is over, and more than anything I just want to say thank you to everyone that’s guided me and coached me throughout these years. In particular, I want to thank Peter Nicol, Jess Winstanley, Jamal Callender, Eric Christiansen, Clinton Leeuw and Carl Baglio for teaching me to love the game and more importantly helping me develop into the person I am today off court. Finally (and most importantly), I want to say thank you to my Dad. My dad has supported me through every single win, loss, and long weekend throughout my entire junior career. As is probably true for many of us players, I know I don’t always take enough time to express my gratitude to you, Dad, but what you’ve done for me all these years means the world to me. Thank you for always being there!

Whitney Finney | DICKINSON COLLEGE

“Squash has always been a family affair. Because Lancaster is a small but growing squash community, my mother has consistently driven me an hour away so I could play in clinics and take lessons. Some of my fondest memories are of our entire family playing every weekend at Franklin & Marshall College. In addition to school squash I was very lucky to work with Squash Aces at F&M and to participate in the Squashwise Junior Rally playing for 鈥淛uniors for Jerve鈥� in Baltimore. I learned that I love working with kids and sharing my love of squash. I think this comes from having strong mentors over a long period of time鈥攁t F&M Coach Jones and Coach Koenig, at Meadow Mill Athletic Club Coach Omar Sobhy, LCDS coaches, the many members of Lancaster Squash who were always willing to hop on court with a 4鈥� 11鈥� girl and at Berwyn Squash鈥攑articularly Dominic Hughes, Joe Millman, and Joyce Davenport. I can鈥檛 wait to play in college against many of my GU19 peers, including my cousin Eva who will play at Middlebury. Go Red Devils!

Katherine Glaser | PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

Squash has taught me how to be resilient and uncompromising, how to be a good teammate and how to be a good leader, some of the most valuable lessons of my life. When I was out for a year for ACL surgery I learned that through hard work and dedication combined with strong support from teammates and friends, you can accomplish anything. I am so grateful for the bonds I have made with the other players through squash that I know will last a lifetime. I am so excited for us all to take the next step in our squash careers but I know that none of us will forget our time together on the Junior Circuit and the impact junior squash has had on us.

Penelope Oh | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Playing squash and being part of the squash community has been such an impactful part of my high school experience. I think that squash is so unique in that it fosters an extremely close and tight knit community. Junior squash has been such a great way to meet new people and I am so grateful that it has allowed me to make many friends, and some of my closest friends. As I look ahead at college squash, I am excited to be playing on a team with some of these friends. And while it will be strange competing without or against former high school teammates, I am so glad that through playing squash I will be able to stay in touch with them and see them on the college circuit.

Sameer Saxena | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Squash has been a transformative experience for me over the past 7-8 years. Not only has squash kept me fit, but it has taught me how to handle my nerves during critical moments and has provided me with an outlet that alleviates any type of stress. When I play squash, I don鈥檛 think, I just become immersed in the game; it is a passion which I hope to pursue as long as I can play. While playing competitively is a tough journey, it is incredibly rewarding and teaches you a great deal about grit and perseverance. The squash community is one of the friendliest and most supportive I have ever seen: they are the reason I have continued to play the game. The friends I have made at my club, Fairmount Athletic Club (Scozzie/S2 Squash), are lifelong and have pushed me to greater heights. Playing on the Episcopal Academy Varsity squash team has also been one of my favorite experiences throughout high school. Reaching the High School Nationals finalsp in my senior year will forever be one of my favorite memories. My teammates have become some of my closest friends and the thrill of representing my school at the highest level is a tremendous feeling. I am beyond excited to continue to play at Columbia University.

Meghna Sreedhar | YALE UNIVERSITY

Squash has had a great influence on my life for the past 9 years. I have learned so much from people I have met, the competitive atmosphere of the game, and the experiences that I have had. This journey has been filled with some of the most rewarding and impactful memories that have shaped the person I am today. My family and coaches who have stuck by me and supported me every step of the way have been a constant in my life that have provided me with comfort and encouragement. I am so thankful for all the opportunities that 黑料不打烊 has provided and look forward to being part of this community in college and beyond.

Conner Stoltz | HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Playing junior squash has been undoubtedly one of the most important parts of my childhood and I wouldn鈥檛 trade it for anything. Through the ups and downs, it taught me sportsmanship, strategy, how to continue on in difficult times, and of course, it kept me in good shape. I could not have had any of these great squash experiences without my parents and the organization and dedication of the us squash team, so I want to sincerely thank them for everything. Also, I cherish all of the relationships and great people I have met and become friends with through the game of squash and am looking forward to continuing my play in college next year. Once again, thank you.

Olivia Walsh | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

Thank you to US squash for giving me the opportunity to make so many great memories and friends!

Jack Winston | BOWDOIN COLLEGE

Junior squash has helped me develop so many friendships and has given me a second family. All of my competitors pushed me to work harder each year just to keep up with them and I couldn’t imagine my life if I hadn’t picked up a squash racket.

If you are a high school senior and have not already submitted your own picture and reflection, please follow these instructions to do so.

黑料不打烊 relies on contributions to strengthen the organization and allow us to deliver against our mission. 黑料不打烊 works to drive every facet of squash forward at all levels: from junior development to adult squash; urban, community and team programs; amateur to professional singles and doubles; and programs that support and train professionals, coaches, officials and administrators.

The impact of the pandemic on 黑料不打烊 is severe. Half of the organization鈥檚 revenue sources are tied to events. Our fiscal year ends this month, and we are urgently working to prepare for a difficult and uncertain fiscal year 2021, having already implemented rolling staff furloughs and other expense reductions.

黑料不打烊 must be ready to support the sport鈥檚 return to play, and we need your help to do so. Please consider making a 100% tax-deductible gift online today, before the end of our fiscal year on June 30.

黑料不打烊 envisions people of all ages, abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds in communities countrywide enjoying squash, playing the sport with a positive spirit, and participating in programs that foster camaraderie, facilitate competition and encourage healthy lifestyles.

Contributing to 黑料不打烊 ensures the organization has the sustained resources it needs to model and expand the programs that develop squash from coast-to-coast, increase access to the sport block-by-block, promote excellence and sportsmanship and provide all players the opportunity for lifelong positive engagement in the sport.聽 Together with a growing and diverse range of partners aligned around this vision, 黑料不打烊 will continue to lead an innovative and integrated approach to developing the sport.

LEADING THROUGH CHALLENGE

黑料不打烊 is helping the squash community navigate the challenges posted by the pandemic. Just as the organization has been deeply impacted, so have hundreds of clubs, programs, and individuals who work in the sport 鈥� not to mention the entire community of squash players for whom participation in the sport holds an important place in their lives.

黑料不打烊 is actively coordinating with the community to plan for a return to play. This takes many forms: regular meetings with facilities and teaching professionals to build best practices, online resources to keep players engaged, tracking of state-by-state reopening status, issuance of guidelines to help facilitate a safe return to play, community town halls, close coordination with committees including the newly-formed Medical Advisory Committee, and contingency planning to prepare options for the eventual return to accredited competition for junior and adults.

Resources and regular updates are available at:

COAST-TO-COAST AND BLOCK-BY-BLOCK

The Arlen Specter 黑料不打烊 Center (Specter Center) will bring players of all levels and abilities together to learn from one another.聽 Players from the entry level to JCTs, urban squash participants and high school teams to adult leagues, local community members and college club teams will all come together under one roof.聽 The Specter Center programming will serve as a model for community programs from coast-to-coast.

Serving as Philadelphia鈥檚 arm of the 黑料不打烊 Community Affiliate program, the Specter Center will deliver innovative programming that broadly expands access to the sport to people from all ages and backgrounds. Affiliates conduct integrated programs and activities to build the sport, inclusive of junior middle and high school team programs, junior squash grassroots development and high-performance programs, squash and education programs, adult squash development, and accredited leagues, ladders, and tournaments. Continuing to make the sport convenient, and economically accessible for people of all backgrounds in every neighborhood is essential to sustaining squash as a lifelong sport.

The Specter Center鈥檚 will work closely with our core community partners, Drexel University and SquashSmarts, to bring together the broadest possible group of players and to engage directly with the surrounding communities. The Specter Center鈥檚 ability to bring the country鈥檚 top athletes side-by-side with those just entering the sport will be part of ensuring a pathway to excellence for players from all backgrounds in partnership with the Squash and Education Alliance (SEA).

The Specter Center will play an important role in training and supporting the coaches across the country, with National and Regional coaches working collaboratively to support one another in their focus on excellence and sportsmanship, creating a direct connection to every region and every player.

LIFELONG ENGAGEMENT

Engaging juniors in squash is essential to growing the sport, as is ensuring there is a place to compete once juniors move on to become college-age players.聽 Retaining and advancing college squash opportunities for all players in partnership with the College Squash Association (CSA) remains a priority, as well as expanding club and intramural engagement on campuses nationwide.

黑料不打烊 also provides the technology and infrastructure to support nationwide adult play, from reservation software and in-facility ladders and leagues, to regional leagues and tournaments, to national competitions and professional play.

Adequate resources and financial reserves are essential for 黑料不打烊 endure cyclical economies over time and maintain steady investments in growth initiatives and innovation. A strong base is important for the organization鈥檚 ability to deliver best-in-class services, programs, training and technology.

Please consider a gift to 黑料不打烊 today.

Now, perhaps more than ever, 黑料不打烊 recognizes the importance of community in our lives, and as the global pandemic took hold on the country and the world, a concept emerged from within the junior community.

A Legacy in an Extraordinary Time

The idea of a Senior Class Gift was born to honor and celebrate both the accomplishments of the Class of 2020 and the culmination of their junior squash journey, and to inspire other junior squash families to express their support. This is an聽extraordinary time where聽so many in our sport have been聽impacted, from players and their families, to squash facilities, coaches and pros, as well as聽the 黑料不打烊 staff, who are聽working urgently through unprecedented challenges to move squash forward.

In just a few weeks, with the support of 鈥淐lass Ambassadors鈥�, 黑料不打烊 is grateful to report that more than $75,000 towards the $100,000 goal has been raised in honor of the Class of 2020. Additional information on the Senior Class of 2020 Gift Initiative聽.

Why Give?

Contributing to the 黑料不打烊 Annual Fund聽is the best way to acknowledge all the opportunities, relationships, and experiences that junior squash provides has provided and to resource the staff and infrastructure that enables聽the sport to thrive. More than ever before, 黑料不打烊 needs your help to support聽the remaining staff who are actively working through this crisis: scoping potential approaches for a return to play and competition, assisting clubs and pros with their planning, and optimizing the technology and online tools to facilitate the sport鈥檚 return. The US Junior Squash Class Gift聽campaign is a rallying point for the community to sustain 黑料不打烊聽by聽contributing to our annual fund聽during this difficult time of need when core support is so meaningful.

How You Can Help

黑料不打烊 is asking all junior squash families to follow the Class of 2020鈥檚 lead, and we are challenging the junior community to match their giving as we near the end of our June 30 fiscal year. Families may either聽or email聽development@ussquash.com聽with a pledge amount in order to receive follow up from us.

Recognition in Appreciation

All contributions made to this campaign, regardless of amount, will be recognized in the name of the player, listed by graduating class year, from 2020 to 2030 and beyond to encourage as much participation as possible. In addition, contributions will be recognized as part of the Annual Fund giving levels for this year in the name of the family or as directed otherwise.

Thousands of junior squash players of all levels across the country compete and enjoy squash as a regular part of their lives. Players retain the values practiced in the sport, maintain close and enduring friendships they form, and have a love for squash as a lifelong sport. 黑料不打烊 is asking you to聽help preserve the opportunities and experiences that junior squash has provided your family.

Please join the community of the sport that means so much to all of us and聽support the US Junior Squash Class Gift campaign by making a contribution today.

Last week,聽黑料不打烊 made 3 and 5 year聽memberships available for the first time ever. During this challenging time, multi-year memberships will provide essential support to sustain 黑料不打烊, and also provide members a discount at the same time.

The squash community has stepped up. As of today, more than 300 members have renewed for 3 or 5 years 鈥� over 20% of the way to our end-of-June goal of 1,500. Thank you to this leading group for their trust and support of the organization in this crucial time.

If you value the momentum that 黑料不打烊 has聽helped build for the sport, please join or renew your membership today to allow us聽to maintain the infrastructure that will be needed to move squash forward and be ready when we can all once again step on court together.

Players can join or renew today by clicking above. Five-year memberships receive a 10% discount and three-year memberships receive a 5% discount.

Join World No. 8 Amanda Sobhy in Supporting 黑料不打烊

In the past five years, 黑料不打烊 has made substantial progress in serving its mission of leading squash鈥檚 growth and development by increasing access and awareness, supporting meaningful lifelong engagement in the sport, and encouraging sportsmanship while achieving competitive excellence at the highest levels. Over this period, several major strategic initiatives have been launched to lay the foundation for accelerating growth in the coming decade and beyond.

Growth trends remain strong nationally. According to recent data from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, a third-party industry research organization, core squash participation (defined as individuals playing eight or more times annually) increased 47% between 2013 and 2018.

There has been 100% growth in junior tournament participation since 2014, with the most rapid growth occurring in non-traditional squash regions such as the West Coast, Texas and the Southeast. The number of high school teams competing in accredited leagues has more than doubled, with notable growth in public school participation.

The Arlen Specter 黑料不打烊 Center has shifted from an idea to an active construction site well under way at Philadelphia鈥檚 32nd Street Armory. The Specter Center is poised to anchor 黑料不打烊 programs for generations to come upon its opening in the fall of 2020. The 20-court facility will be a model of community engagement and access, serve as the 黑料不打烊 national headquarters, house the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame and a Learning & Innovation Center, and offer athletes state-of-the-art high-performance development resources.

黑料不打烊 has placed increased emphasis on sportsmanship and is committed to supporting positive behavior across its programs. Good sportsmanship is rewarded through and expanded recognition program for juniors and adults alike. Enforcement of the Code of Conduct has also been stepped up when a violation occurs. 黑料不打烊 is revamping training and education for players, officials, families and spectators to make sure that everyone understands the rules and applies them fairly on and off court. The organization will continue to work with the community to build a shared set of expectations to uphold squash鈥檚 core values of fair-play, courtesy and respect.

College squash has also undergone historic changes over the last few years. In 2017 the women鈥檚 and men鈥檚 associations re-formed under a single entity, the College Squash Association (CSA), with an independent board of directors. After assisting with the governance change process, 黑料不打烊 remains a close working partner with college squash, and in 2018 the CSA hired David Poolman as its first full-time Executive Director & Commissioner who works out of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 New York City office. In a short period of time, the CSA has made significant strides in clarifying recruiting and eligibility standards and enforcing existing policies to ensure a fair and level playing field. These efforts will surely pave the way for continued growth in the number of varsity teams as the sport burnishes its reputation in athletic departments at the collegiate level.

The U.S. Open Squash Championships was brought back in-house by 黑料不打烊 in 2011 in partnership with Drexel University, and over the past nine years the tournament has remained a premier world championship and leader in event presentation and equality. The U.S. Open became the first major tournament to offer full prize money parity in 2013; now all PSA World Tour Platinum Events require full parity and last year鈥檚 World Championships in Chicago offered a record $1 million prize pool split equally between the two divisions.

On the National Team front, progress continues toward the goal of 鈥淎lways on the Podium鈥�. At the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, Team USA claimed both the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 team gold medals for the first time since squash鈥檚 inclusion to the Games in 1995. Over the course of the seven-day competition, the U.S. men and women won a total of seven medals, five of which were gold.

Over the last five years, Team USA鈥檚 juniors have cemented their position as a force on the international stage. The U.S. girls matched their best-ever finish of second in 2015 for the third consecutive tournament, while the boys recorded their best finish as bronze medalists in 2016 and repeated the historic feat in 2018. In January 2020, Team USA will send over fifty junior players and ten coaches to the British Junior Open in Birmingham, England, marking the sixth annual Team USA trip to the British Junior Open.

For the first time, 黑料不打烊 now has an end-to-end high-performance development pathway. At a junior level, this includes regional and national squads, as well as Junior Team USA competition including the Battle of the Border, the British Junior Open, the Junior Pan American Games and the World Junior Team Championships. The 黑料不打烊 Academy also brings together members of Team USA ranging from U11 players to college graduates for two weeks of intensive training each summer. Nationally-ranked U11, U13, U15 and U17 players go through on-court training and competition, as well as classroom sessions. The Academy blends current Elite Athlete Program (EAP) Players with high-potential college athletes for a professional training environment and introduction to strategies and preparation for a potential career on the professional tour.

黑料不打烊 established the innovative EAP five years ago, and the program now provides ten of Team USA鈥檚 top athletes with a salary, insurance, expense reimbursements and administrative support to aid them as they climb the rankings on the professional tour. 黑料不打烊 is among the few governing bodies that hires its athletes as full-time employees.

黑料不打烊鈥檚 progress is rooted in innovation, and in service of the needs of the squash community the Club Locker technology platform was formally rolled out in 2014. Club Locker has continued to develop to meet the needs of the squash community both in the U.S. and internationally, with a range of integrated functions serving individuals, clubs, organizations and federations.

Club Locker is transforming the way people experience squash. Club Locker鈥檚 scoring app allows real-time live scoring and streaming, streamlining tournament management and reducing wasted time and resource use. Players can record league and friendly scores, find opponents, register for events, make reservations, and follow the results of families, friends or rivals directly on their mobile device. The best-in-class reservation system is used by over 200 clubs. Club Locker Venue provides scoreboard and display solutions that allow fans to easily follow results during events, while allowing facilities to increase member engagement and promote their programs. Club Locker is now the industry standard and is being offered to squash organizations globally through an international Technology Collaborative in support of the broader mission of growing participation and encouraging lifelong engagement in squash.

鈥淲e are fortunate to be a part of such a vibrant U.S. squash community,鈥� said Kevin Klipstein, President & CEO of 黑料不打烊. 鈥淭he sport is a central part of the lives of so many of our members, families, coaches and officials, and at 黑料不打烊 we will continue to work hard to deliver against our mission to deliver meaningful lifelong experiences in the sport. We are grateful for our partners and supporters, and the entire community whose passion inspires us daily.鈥�

The passion of the squash community is the driving force of the sport. This is exemplified in the commitment of 黑料不打烊 Loyalty Donors–those who have generously donated to the organization for three of more consecutive years. 黑料不打烊 is grateful for the support of the nearly 200 community members who are a part of this special group. View the list .

Giving to 黑料不打烊 supports its mission of leading squash鈥檚 growth and development by increasing access and awareness, supporting meaningful lifelong engagement in the sport, and encouraging sportsmanship while achieving competitive excellence at the highest levels. The consistent support of Loyalty Donors has allowed 黑料不打烊 make long-term investments in the innovation and infrastructure that help drive the sport forward.

黑料不打烊 has made significant advances in several strategic initiatives, including the 20-court Arlen Specter 黑料不打烊 Center now under construction in Philadelphia that is planned to open in fall 2020. Participation is growing across the country in both adult and junior squash, and 黑料不打烊 is placing increased attention on programs that enforce the Code of Conduct and nurture the core value of fair-play, courtesy and respect. Team USA athletes captured five gold medals at the quadrennial Pan American Games in Lima, Peru this summer.

黑料不打烊 thanks its Loyalty Donors, along with all who support the game, for the trust they have placed in the organization.

黑料不打烊 relies on contributions for 20% of its annual income, and all gifts are 100% tax-deductible. For those who have not yet joined as a donor, we ask that you consider 黑料不打烊 in your charitable giving.

[jbutton color=”red” size=”large” link=”https://api.ussquash.com/donate/#fund=annual” icon=”yes”]Donate to 黑料不打烊[/jbutton] ]]> /2019/06/your-gift-supports-those-serving-the-game/ Fri, 14 Jun 2019 17:51:17 +0000 https://www.ussquash.com/?p=42898 Coaches and teaching professionals have a deep impact on our experience of squash and help uphold the sport鈥檚 core values of honesty, courtesy and respect. Coaches are also uniquely positioned to deliver the core of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 mission: supporting lifelong meaningful positive engagement in squash and deserve our support. 黑料不打烊 is a 501c3 nonprofit, […]]]>

Coaches and teaching professionals have a deep impact on our experience of squash and help uphold the sport鈥檚 core values of honesty, courtesy and respect.

Coaches are also uniquely positioned to deliver the core of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 mission: supporting lifelong meaningful positive engagement in squash and deserve our support. 黑料不打烊 is a 501c3 nonprofit, and each year must fundraise more than 20% of its $5 million budget to cover costs while we also invest in the future, including coach training and development.

Donations in the first half of the calendar year permit 黑料不打烊 to plan more effectively for the coming season. For this reason, 黑料不打烊 is asking for your help to reach our $250,000 goal before our fiscal year ends on June 30. 聽We are hoping to attract 500 donors to the cause, and with 90% of our expenses focused on programs, not overhead, 黑料不打烊 is committed to being the community leader you entrust to move the sport forward.

Supporting Coaches and Growing Their Ranks

黑料不打烊 provides programs and services to help coaches and teaching professionals serve the community, including Level 1, 2 and 3 Coach Certification. Club Locker technology helps coaches follow players and provides organized play tools to bolster activity at schools, clubs and facilities. The Arlen Specter 黑料不打烊 Center, opening in fall 2020, will play host to world-class coaching facilities and deliver innovative coach education models that will have nationwide impact.

The rapid growth of the sport in the U.S. has increased the need for a pipeline of qualified, well-trained coaches to support new and existing programs. 黑料不打烊 initiatives like the Leadership Development Summer Internship program and close partnership with the College Squash Association (CSA) highlight squash as a viable career opportunity for graduating players, and 黑料不打烊 also supports visa applications for top-qualified coaches to bring their knowledge to the U.S.

Contributions of any amount are appreciated and allow 黑料不打烊 to continue its support of the growing squash community and the coaches that underpin it. Please join your fellow squash enthusiasts and give today.

The connective tissue of the squash community is sportsmanship. From the youngest competitors and those just learning the game to the many who have enjoyed the sport for decades, all players are linked by the sport鈥檚 core values of honesty, courtesy and respect.

黑料不打烊 is a 501c3 nonprofit, and each year must fundraise more than 20% of its $5 million budget to cover costs while we also invest in the future. At the core of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 mission is supporting lifelong meaningful positive engagement in squash, and sportsmanship initiatives directly impact this mission.

Donations in the first half of the calendar year permit 黑料不打烊 to plan more effectively for the coming season. For this reason, 黑料不打烊 is asking for your help to reach our $250,000 goal before our fiscal year ends on June 30. 聽We are hoping to attract 1,000 donors to the cause, and with 90% of our expenses focused on programs, not overhead, 黑料不打烊 is committed to being the community leader you entrust to move the sport forward.

A Focus on Sportsmanship and Values

黑料不打烊 is committed to encouraging sportsmanship at all ages and levels to create a positive competitive environment. The set common expectations for a safe, respectful and fair experience across the entire squash community, and are enforced through effective mechanisms when violations occur to ensure learning does too. 黑料不打烊 has strengthened officiating training requirements at all levels, and works with players, parents and coaches to understand the shared community responsibility to uphold the values that set squash apart.

黑料不打烊 regularly celebrates excellent sportsmanship through events such as the Character in Sports Day at the FS Investments U.S. Open and Junior Awards Dinners at the end-of-season championships. Adult awards like the Ferons Wedgwood Women鈥檚 Sportsmanship Trophy and the Robert W. Callahan Men鈥檚 Sportsmanship Award recognize those who have embodied positive play across their squash careers, while juniors setting the example are showcased through awards like the DeRoy Junior Sportsmanship Award and the Junior Age Division Sportsmanship Awards.

Contributions of any amount are appreciated and allow 黑料不打烊 to continue its support of the growing squash community. Please join your fellow squash enthusiasts and give today.

I have heard from two people in the last few months tell me, 鈥淪quash saved my life.鈥澛� They meant it literally, however I also hear people often speak about the impact squash has had on their lives and families in the same way they would about the college they attended, or the spouse they chose to marry. If you鈥檙e reading this, squash is central to your life.

Most people aren鈥檛 aware that 黑料不打烊 is a 501c3 nonprofit, and that each year we fundraise nearly 20% of our $5 million budget to cover costs. At the core of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 mission is supporting lifelong meaningful positive engagement in squash, and your support has a significant impact on our ability to make collective investments to elevate our programs, enhance our services and allows us to drive growth nationally.

Donations in the first half of the calendar year permit us to plan more effectively for the coming season. It is for this reason, I am asking for your help to reach our $250,000 goal before our fiscal year ends on June 30. 聽With 90% of our expenses focused on programs, not overhead, 黑料不打烊 is committed to being the community leader you entrust to move the sport forward.

A Record of Success Worth Perpetuating

Growth continues nationwide with adult leagues reaching record numbers and junior squash participation more than doubling in some regions of the country in the last five years alone. Our Club Locker software is revolutionizing the connection of players to the sport and has become a world leader in competition and program management, reservations, and rankings. Middle school, high school, urban and college programs reinforce the positive connection between squash and education, and we are focused on building a structure for junior squash that is safe, fair, inclusive and balanced.

Our best players represent Team USA with pride 鈥� 黑料不打烊 Elite Athlete Program members will do so in July at the quadrennial Pan American Games, and we are sending some of our strongest teams ever to the World Junior Championships and other international competitions this summer. Beyond our focus on participation and excellence, we remain steadfastly committed to reinforcing the core values of honesty, courtesy and respect that are regularly reinforced through participation in the sport. Sportsmanship is a major part of what makes the squash community so special, and our programs encourage positive behavior and accountability on and off the court.

Finally, progress continues for the , with the 20-court facility poised to anchor 黑料不打烊 programs for generations to come upon its opening in the fall of 2020. The Specter Center will be a model of community engagement and access, serve as 黑料不打烊鈥檚 national headquarters, the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame, house a Learning & Innovation Center and offer elite athletes state-of-the-art development resources including a Coaching Excellence Center.

Contributions of any amount are appreciated and allow us to innovate and invest in the infrastructure needed to support the growing squash community, so please give today.

With gratitude,

Kevin Klipstein
President & CEO