U.S.-based PSA Challenger events to provide critical bridge between junior, collegiate and professional squash 

US Squash has announced the launch of the U.S. Squash Challenger Series, a new series of PSA Challenger events designed to strengthen the Player Development Pathway between junior squash, collegiate squash and the professional game. 

Developed in partnership with the Professional Squash Association (PSA), the series will feature five PSA Challenger 3 events during the 2026–2027 season, hosted alongside major junior competitions and key calendar events across the United States. 

The initiative reflects US Squash’s growing focus on creating more accessible, high-level competitive opportunities for elite American players as they transition through the sport’s pathway. 

“Our Player Development Pathway has evolved significantly over the past decade,” said Kim Clearkin, Chief Program Officer at US Squash. “We are increasingly seeing top junior players reach the ceiling of junior squash before they are ready for college, while many collegiate athletes have limited organized competitive opportunities outside of the college season. The Challenger Series is designed to bridge that gap by providing meaningful professional-level competition within the United States.” 

“This is a significant milestone for our program and for the athletes progressing through our pathway,” said Nick Taylor, Ganek Family US Squash Head National Coach. “Launching our own PSA series represents a major step forward for our organization and the wider squash community. It creates a unique opportunity for our players to experience professional competition in a familiar environment, compete for valuable world ranking points and gain exposure to the next level of the game. Just as importantly, the series will allow us to attract strong domestic and college talent, creating a more competitive environment that benefits all of our athletes and helps elevate the profile of squash within each region.” 

Each Challenger Series event will award $3,000 in prize money and PSA world ranking points while using a round-robin competition format to maximize meaningful match play for participating athletes. Events will be open to sixteen-player draws, with the majority of entries determined by PSA ranking and select wildcard opportunities allocated to promising American players. 

“Our long-term vision has always been to build a genuine and sustainable pathway for aspiring players, from grassroots and junior development through to collegiate and professional squash,” Taylor added. “Hosting a PSA series is an exciting and important step toward achieving that goal.”  

The Challenger Series will also provide elite junior and collegiate players with an opportunity to begin building PSA rankings earlier in their careers, helping create a smoother transition into professional squash after college graduation. 

“We are delighted to work with US Squash on this important initiative,” said Alex Gough, CEO of the Professional Squash Association. “Providing more domestic PSA opportunities for emerging players is essential to strengthening long-term athlete development and expanding the professional pathway. The United States continues to be one of the most important growth markets for squash globally and initiatives like this help create clearer opportunities for players to progress from junior and collegiate squash into the professional ranks.” 

The Challenger Series forms part of a broader set of pathway recommendations adopted by US Squash for the 2026–2027 season following a comprehensive review process involving players, coaches, parents and program leaders. 

The 2026–2027 Challenger Series schedule will include events at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center, Squash Zone and Squash on Fire, strategically aligned with major junior tournaments and the collegiate calendar to maximize accessibility and participation. 

2026–2027 US Squash Challenger Series Schedule 

• August 28-31, 2026 — Specter Center (alongside JCT #1) 
• September 11-13, 2026 — Specter Center 
• October 10-12, 2026 — Squash Zone (alongside JCT #2) 
• November 13-15, 2026 — Squash on Fire (alongside JCT #3) 
• March 26-28, 2027 — Specter Center (alongside Junior Divisionals

“The introduction of these events is an important investment in the future of American squash,” Clearkin added. “We want our best young players to feel there is a clear and ambitious pathway within the sport whether their goal is collegiate success, representing Team USA or pursuing a professional career.”

For more information about the US Squash Challenger Series and PSA registration details, visit the Professional Squash Association.

Morris Clothier, Heather McKay and Damien Mudge will be inducted into the United States Squash Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The ceremony will occur at a special luncheon at 12pm ET preceding the finals of the 2026 U.S. Open at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center in Philadelphia.

The three are among the best to ever walk onto a squash court. Australia’s Heather McKay is considered the greatest woman squash player in history by virtue of winning a record sixteen British Opens. She was based in Toronto for a decade and from there had a remarkable impact on squash in the U.S. She won three U.S. national titles as well as all the earliest professional women’s tournaments in the States and was a role model as the first woman to work full-time as a teaching pro. Mudge, also from Australia, captured a record 142 pro doubles tournaments, playing on both walls with an unprecedented combination of power and finesse. Clothier, from Philadelphia, won nine National Doubles titles with three different partners and for the past quarter century has played a pivotal role in guiding squash doubles.

“This class embodies the excellence and legacy of the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame,” said Mollie Marcoux Samaan, US Squash CEO. “Heather McKay’s playing record remains one of the best of all time, and her influence as an early leader of women’s squash professionals in the U.S. cannot be understated. Morris Clothier and Damien Mudge represent the best of the squash doubles community. A top player and national champion, Morris impacted the sport as much off the court as a visionary and leader, imbuing his love of the game with future generations. Damien was simply the best and set a new standard for how squash doubles can be played at the highest level. We look forward to celebrating these remarkable inductees together with the squash community this fall.”

The U.S. Squash Hall of Fame was founded in 2000. It opened at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia then in 2006 moved to Yale’s Payne Whitney Gymnasium. After sixteen years in New Haven, it relocated back to Philadelphia in April 2022 when the elegant Pierce Family U.S. Squash Hall of Fame space opened at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center. With the additions of Clothier, McKay and Mudge, there will be seventy-four members of the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame.

“Morris, Damien and Heather are representative of what makes squash so special,” said James Zug, Jr., Chair of the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame Committee. “They are national champions who inspired the country with their ability, passion, sportsmanship and grit. They have had an exceptional impact on the history of squash in America.”

The 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will benefit the U.S. Squash Foundation. Please stay tuned for ticketing, patronage, and ways to support this historic event, which will be released separately.

Learn more about the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame on ussquash.org/hall-of-fame.

]]> https://ussquash.org/2026/06/chicagos-project-beacon-outdoor-court-celebrates-one-year/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:06:18 +0000 https://ussquash.org/?p=68419 US Squash celebrated once year since the opening of Project Beacon, the outdoor court project made possible by the Chicago Park District, US Squash and the Squash United Foundation, Friday, May 29, at Union Park. US Squash CEO Mollie Marcoux Samaan joined members of the Chicago squash community, including Project Beacon Founder Arnie Dratt, for […]]]>

US Squash celebrated once year since the opening of Project Beacon, the outdoor court project made possible by the Chicago Park District, US Squash and the Squash United Foundation, Friday, May 29, at Union Park.

US Squash CEO Mollie Marcoux Samaan joined members of the Chicago squash community, including Project Beacon Founder Arnie Dratt, for some time on court during the celebration.

Last May, Project Beacon became the first publicly accessible outdoor squash court in the United States when it opened during the PSA World Championships.

Designed and built by Access Courts, it’s exterior walls feature rotating art exhibits, combining sport and artistic creativity in a way never seen before: promoting recreation and innovation.

The court’s rotating exterior art exhibits—first featuring work by Cecilia Bevan—blended sport and creativity while bringing squash into public spaces. This initiative integrates a state-of-the-art glass squash court with different art displays, promoting recreation and innovation.

Located in Fulton Market, west of the Chicago Loop, ‘Project Beacon’ will make squash more accessible to the local community in the build up to squash’s debut at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (LA28).

Various different programs use the court including PARK summer camps, after school clubs squash players from Chicago and visiting players from all over the US and Europe.

Position: Assistant Squash Professional
Location: Atlanta Community Squash (Proud home to A+ Squash)
Salary: Based on experience and qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree and a minimum Level 1 Coaching Certification preferred
Start Date: September 1, 2026

About ACS (Atlanta Community Squash):
Comprising of 5 singles courts and 1 hardball doubles court, ACS provides affordable access to Squash in Atlanta for all levels of play and is the home to A+ Squash, an Atlanta-based non-profit organization that transforms the lives of young people through the sport of Squash and ongoing educational support. ACS takes pride in its vibrant community, boasting over 250 members and a thriving, ever-expanding junior program.

Responsibilities:
• Giving private and group lessons to ACS members of all ages and standards
• Assisting with ACS Summer Camps
• Tournament, league organization, and other event assistance
• Stringing
• Assisting with membership drive and retention
• Taking care of the facility as if it were your home

Qualifications:
• Minimum Level 1 Coaching qualification
• Substantial squash playing (5.0+ skill rating) and coaching Collegiate or professional a bonus
• Excellent verbal and writing skills, strong computer skills (Excel, Word, etc)
• Good communicator and collaborator
• Ability to work independently or within a team environment
• Willingness to both learn from and share knowledge with other staff members
• Must always maintain a professional and courteous manner
• Organized and timely
• Passionate and high energy
• Believes in building a community inclusive of all backgrounds

Additional benefits include:
• Medical Insurance
• Membership to the Club for your spouse and children
• 3 Weeks’ vacation

A Valid US work visa or green card is required.

If interested, please send your resume to Tom Pashley at tom@atlantacommunitysquash.org.

Clothier is considered the greatest amateur right-wall doubles player in U.S. squash history. From Philadelphia, he was National Doubles champion in 1993, 1994 and 1995 (with Jon Foster), 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 (with Erik Vlcek) and 2002 and 2005 (with Gary Waite). Only one player in men’s doubles history, Hall of Fame Diehl Mateer, has ever won more National Doubles titles. Clothier also won the National Mixed with Joyce Davenport in 1993. Clothier has been a pivotal off-court figure for the past thirty years. He was a longtime chair of US Squash Doubles Committee, helped found the National Parent & Child Championships and played a central role in the development of the pro doubles tour. In 2008 US Squash honored Clothier with its highest annual award, the President’s Cup.

McKay is arguably the greatest woman squash player in history. She won three U.S. national open championships: the National Singles in 1979 and the National Doubles in 1984 and 1985 (with Barbara Savage). An Australian, McKay won the British Open sixteen straight times in the 1960s and 1970s. From 1975 to 1985 she lived in Toronto, working as one of the world’s earliest full-time female squash teaching professionals. McKay was a global celebrity; when she came to New York and entered and won the first-ever women’s pro singles tournaments in U.S., it gave American squash an enormous boost.

Mudge is the best squash doubles player in squash history. He captured 142 professional doubles tournaments across North America, the highest in squash history (Hall of Fame Gary Waite is second on the list with 79). Originally from Australia, Mudge was dominant on both walls for two full decades, combining blistering speed with unparalleled finesse and movement. He won a record seventeen Johnsons and fifteen North American Opens and had five undefeated seasons. He worked as a teaching pro at the University Club of New York for twenty-one years until his retirement in 2021.

Squash Coach & Racquet Sports Development Coordinator (Full-Time or Part-Time)

For the Luzerne County Squash and Racquets Center at the Friedman Jewish Community Center (Community Center) in Kingston, Pennsylvania.

The Community Center is launching an exciting squash and racquet sports  initiative and seeking a full‑time squash coach who is energetic, outgoing, community minded, and technically skilled to help build community interest, increase participation, and improve skills.

With two relatively new, glass backed, international squash courts that have been designed and located to facilitate the addition of two additional courts, a room well-sized for and equipped with competition level table tennis tables, an excellent fitness center, and a strong commitment to grow these sports and become known as the squash and table tennis hub in northeastern Pennsylvania, the Community Center is in need of a squash professional who is excited about the potential to help grow the sport or squash, while also expanding his/her responsibilities.  The Community Center needs a motivated, personable, squash instructor and advocate who wants to make an impact, provide instruction, develop programs, participate in outreach to the community as well as the local schools and universities, and grow this position into a broader leadership role within the Center’s athletic and recreation department.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a recent college graduate, collegiate squash player, or qualified candidate  looking to launch a career in sports management, community recreation, or athletic administration.

Primary Responsibilities – Squash & Racquet Sports Development

• Serve as the face of the Community Center’s Squash initiative, creating a welcoming, inclusive, and energetic environment for the emerging squash community.
• Provide youth and adult squash clinics, including beginner and intermediate group instruction.
• Provide private squash lessons as demand grows.
• Develop and deliver a squash component for the Community Center’s Summer Camps (ages 5–13).
• Build and manage squash ladders, leagues, round robins, and open play sessions.
• Participate in outreach to local schools and universities, youth programs, and community partners to introduce squash and build participation pipelines.
• Assist in developing and overseeing a table tennis program – an intermediate skill level will be advantageous but is not required provided there is a willingness to learn and improve at the sport.
• Collaborate  with the Community Center’s interim squash consultant to advance outreach in 2026 while helping to shape and advancing the long‑term development plan.

Additional Responsibilities –  Operations, Mission Support & Member Engagement

This is a full‑time position. When not on court, the Coordinator will support the center’s other daily activities, gaining broad experience in community center operations.  These activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Member engagement: greeting members, answering questions, supporting front‑of‑house operations.
• Mission‑driven program support, which may include assisting with the Community Center’s food pantry, community outreach events, or other service‑oriented initiatives.
• Event & rental/sale support: assisting with room setups, breakdowns, and transition for community events and equipment rentals/sales.
• Facility oversight: helping maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.
• Data entry & administrative support: membership updates, program tracking, scheduling, and basic office tasks.
• Assistance with bookkeeping and/or accounting tasks: to the extent an applicant has any related experience or education, please draw this to our attention as this would be valuable to know.
• General support across departments to advance the JCC’s mission of serving the community.
• Bonus value: candidates with bookkeeping or accounting acumen may assist with basic financial or program‑tracking tasks.

These responsibilities provide meaningful professional development and prepare the candidate for future advancement, including potential growth into an  Athletic Director role.

Essential Qualifications

• Age 18 or older.
• Squash skill level: mid‑ to high‑intermediate or above.
• Strong knowledge of proper squash technique, drills, as well as rules and basic refereeing.
• Enthusiastic, outgoing, and comfortable engaging with players and potential players of all ages as well as representatives from local colleges, universities, and private schools.
• Ability to teach group and individual lessons.
• Interest in community outreach and program-building.
• Strong communication skills and a team‑oriented mindset.
• Willingness to support broader Community Center operations as part of a full‑time role.
• Comfort with administrative tasks and data entry.
• Competence or willingness to develop competence in table tennis and oversight of table tennis competitions.

Preferred (Non-Essential) Qualifications

• Collegiate squash experience.
• Coaching and/or referee certification.
• Experience running leagues, ladders, or tournaments.
• Experience working with children, counselors, or camp programs.
• Table Tennis competency (or willingness to develop same)
• Bookkeeping or basic accounting skills.
• Ability to string racquets (or willingness to learn).
• Interest in pursuing a career in athletic administration or recreation management.

Compensation & Growth

Salary is dependent on experience. Additional earning opportunities beyond salary may include:

• Income from private lessons.
• Income from racquet stringing services (if applicable).
• Potential growth-based incentives tied to membership expansion.

This role is designed with professional growth in mind. As the squash program expands, the position may evolve into a broader  Athletic Director role.

 To Apply –

If interested, please send resumes and a brief cover note to:

The attention of Earl Phillips at the following email address (be sure to say Squash Position in the re: line):   Rob@friedmanhospitalitygroup.com

]]> https://ussquash.org/2026/06/u-s-squash-foundation-supports-grassroots-programs-for-d-c-schools/ Sun, 31 May 2026 21:52:46 +0000 https://ussquash.org/?p=68438

Squash in the nation’s capital is growing, one grade school integration at a time. 

Created in 2019 by Conrad Calcagno and his team of dedicated volunteers, including former Guatemalan national head coach Sergio Lopez, Squash United introduced 15 Capitol Hill Day School students in grades 3 through 8 to squash in an after-school coaching program during the fall 2024 semester. In the past two years, their efforts have started to see some success through after-school coaching, summer camp and a clinic co-hosted by US Squash in May 2026. 

“The trying moments over the past few years have been worth it once we had the first group of kids [from Capitol Hill Day School] hit the courts,” Calcagno said. “Seeing them race up the stairs to the courts, smiles on their faces as they held their new racquets and excited to come back the next week is what it’s all about.” 

Last year, Calcagno and Squash United hosted a 10-week pilot program in partnership with OneLife Fitness Capitol Hill, which provided free court time, to introduce 15 Capitol Hill Day School students to after-school squash coaching. Over the summer, Calcagno and other volunteers hosted a squash-based summer camp at Monument Academy Public Charter School in Northeast D.C., returning in May 2026 for a clinic for 30 students with the help of US Squash Director of National Championships Sakora Miller.  

In support of the program, the U.S. Squash Foundation provided 20 racquets, gear and more than 60 squash balls to Squash United for the pilot program along in 2024; at Monument Academy, volunteers assembled all provided gear so students could immediately start learning. Equipped with “The Wall,” eyewear, racquets and beginner balls provided from US Squash headquarters in Philadelphia, the students were ready to warm up and start learning. Nearly 30 middle school students attended the clinic after a month straight of standardized testing, flocking to the gym for a much-needed change of pace. 

“Getting the opportunity to go into communities and work with new players is one of my favorite parts of my job,” Miller said. “It is important that kids of all ages know that there is a place for them in squash and a way to get involved.” 

“We are so excited to have US Squash here with us,” said Anna Scudiero, Development Director at Monument Academy. “Conrad [Calcagno] hooked us up last year, we got to introduce a few students to squash through a squash camp and we were really excited to get to introduce 30 more students to squash today after school. We’re hoping to continue the partnership next year and bring squash to more of our scholars.”  

Scudiero worked with Miller and Calcagno to coordinate timing and programming for the public charter school students.  

“This event was developed through our relationship with Monument Academy Public Charter School and US Squash,” Calcagno said. “When we ran our very first program with Monument last year, it was US Squash who provided us with all of the equipment: racquets, balls, glasses, all the infrastructure so that we could build more squash in Washington, D.C.” 

After a brief warm-up and squash safety lesson, the students broke into small groups to practice forehand and backhand swings before starting to attempt rallies with a partner. Once students got the hang of some squash basics, they had a squash competition in ladder-style play, with the winning player moving to the left and the losing player moving to the right to play as many kids as possible.  

“It’s a good sport, it’s kind of hard because you have to get the racquet under the ball,” said Soraiya, a Monument Academy student who has experience playing many sports. 

The U.S. Squash Foundation is proud to support grassroots programs like Squash United and on-site clinics through our mission and continued outreach to grow the sport. Support the U.S. Squash Foundation today to uplift community programming and spread squash in D.C. and beyond. 

US Squash has announced a new partnership with World Squash Officiating (WSO), marking a significant step forward for officiating standards in North America.

US Squash has begun formally adopting the WSO methodology and framework for referee development in North America, underlining a long-term commitment to improving officiating in one of the sport’s most active regions. Integrating the WSO methodology will streamline the training, certification, and appraisals for referees in the U.S., contributing to a broader effort to standardize refereeing worldwide. With the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games approaching, this partnership lays the foundation for elite-level performance both in the Games and beyond.

US Squash CEO, Mollie Marcoux Samaan, stated, “Developing a strong pipeline of officials is essential to the long-term growth and health of the sport. Officiating provides another meaningful way for people to stay engaged in squash and contribute to the community, and the WSO program creates an outstanding pathway for that development. US Squash is proud to join the WSO movement at such an important moment for the sport as we look ahead to LA28 and beyond.”

PSA CEO, Alex Gough, said, “Officiating is a fundamental part of our sport, and with LA28 fast approaching, this partnership between WSO and US Squash reflects a shared commitment to developing high-quality officials in the US. Adopting the WSO framework will support US Squash in strengthening the sport’s integrity and foundations as we move towards Los Angeles.”

World Squash CEO, William Louis-Marie, added, “We are delighted to welcome USSquash as the latest National Federation to affiliate with World Squash Officiating. This is a significant step for officiating development in the United States and a strong signal of USSquash’s commitment to raising standards at every level of the game. With squash making its Olympic debut at LA28 on home soil for USSquash, the timing of this affiliation could not be more fitting. WSO exists to build a global community of skilled, confident, and consistent officials and we look forward to working closely with USSquash to making sure that when the world watches squash in Los Angeles, the quality of officiating reflects the scale of the occasion.”

About World Squash Officiating

World Squash Officiating (WSO) is the global authority for the development, regulation, and standardization of squash officiating worldwide. WSO provides structured and accessible training programs and certification pathways to support officials from grassroots to the elite levels of squash. Its officiating framework is recognized and endorsed by World Squash and the Professional Squash Association (PSA).

About US Squash

US Squash is the national governing body for squash in the United States, responsible for the growth and success at all levels of the sport. Its mission is to increase access and awareness, supporting meaningful lifelong engagement in the sport, and encouraging sportsmanship while achieving competitive excellence at the highest levels.