StreetSquash Boys Take Home National Championship Trophies, Plus Our Top Ten Moments from Urban Team Nationals

by | Mar 6, 2019 | Event Recaps | 0 comments

Over the weekend of March 1st – 3rd, 92 StreetSquash participants competed at the 16th Annual Urban Team Nationals. Hosted by the Squash and Education Alliance, over 550 players from 21 cities and 3 countries convened at Yale University and Choate Rosemary Hall for the annual competition.

Check out our top ten moments below for an insider’s look into StreetSquash’s winning weekend at Urban Team Nationals! See additional photos here.

1. StreetSquash High School Boys Prevail over Neighboring CitySquash to Secure National Team Title
StreetSquashers proudly display their championship trophies after a thrilling 3-2 victory over CitySquash. The last time a StreetSquash boys team captured the highest division title was in 2012.

2. Harlem and Newark Compete Together for
First Time in StreetSquash History
The unified Middle School Girls team talks strategy with Squash Coordinator Carly Melillo before a match at Choate Rosemary Hall. After hosting combined team practices in Harlem, these middle schoolers made a seamless transition into StreetSquash’s first mixed-site team ever.

3. StreetSquash Rookies Earn Finalist Trophies in the
Middle School C Division
(Clockwise from top left) Sixth graders Osiris, Justin , Brandon, Aaron, and Yan earn second place in Middle School Division C through hard work and determination on court. “Only six months ago, these students got their first squash rackets, and to see how far they’ve come in such a short time really speaks to their dedication to the program,” reflects Squash Director Jack Smith.

4. Squash Skills Shine at Yale University
Debuting on Yale’s famous championship court, Javon ’19 secures a 3-0 win over his opponent from SquashWise. “I wasn’t used to the distractions of the all-glass court, but after a few points I was able to focus on playing my best in the match,” Javon remarks of the court’s notorious challenges. With his willingness to adapt, Javon’s victory pushed Newark to a 5-0 win over the Baltimore program.

5. Smiles and Sportsmanship Persevere Through
Competitive Matches
After a second-round defeat by her opponent from Racquet Up Detroit, Jonally ’25 finds the silver linings of the tough loss, walking off court and sharing, “my opponent was so nice, and I improved my serve!”

6. Positivity and Poise on Display
While Playing at the Top Position
Sarabi ’20 sets the tone for her team at the #1 position with undying efforts and a positive attitude. “Sarabi was resilient, always pushing herself beyond what she and her teammates thought was possible,” shares Academic Coordinator Ty’Asia Bullock. 

7. Competitors Set Their Sights on College
Mame ’21 makes the most of her first UTN experience while speaking with a Yale admissions representative. Mame was one of many StreetSquashers who took advantage of the academic opportunities offered throughout the weekend, which included the event’s college fair, campus tour, and boarding school admissions panel.

8. Support from Teammates and Staff Remain Strong from Tournament’s Start to Finish
(Clockwise from top left) Squash Director Joshua Gary ’09 provides feedback to Yvoniel ’21 in between games; Issey ’19 high-fives Senior Director of Social Work Sasha Diamond-Lenow before winning the Boys High School C Division Championship; Squash Director Katiria Sanchez shares words of wisdom before the Girls High School A Division first-round matches; Johnasia ’20, along with teammates and staff, cheers for StreetSquash at the Yale University courts.

9. Hard Work Pays Off in the Championship Match
Zakee ’19 (front) digs a rail out of the back corner during a lengthy rally with Issey ’19 in the Harlem versus Newark Boys C Division Final. Ultimately, Issey emerged victorious after this five-game battle.

10. StreetSquash Pride Emanates Throughout Yale’s Brady Squash Center during Most Memorable Weekend of 2019

(Click image to see video!) Naheem ’20 plays at the #2 position before a gallery filled with enthusiastic StreetSquash and SquashBusters supporters in the Boys A Division Semi-Final match. During this match, and throughout the weekend as a whole, StreetSquash camaraderie was at an all time high. Moments like this reminded students and staff that after the matches are complete, and trophies taken home, it is the memories with our teammates that will last a lifetime.

Thank you to all of those who made this trip possible, and to our hosts at Yale, Choate, and the Squash and Education Alliance for an incredible weekend.

StreetSquash Teams on Top: Notable Finishes

 High School Boys Division A Champions – Harlem

★★★

High School Girls Division A Finalists – Harlem

★★★

Middle School Boys Division A Consolation Winners – Harlem

★★★

High School Boys Division B Finalists – Harlem

★★★

High School Boys Division B 3rd Place – Newark

★★★

High School Boys Division C Champions – Harlem

★★★

High School Boys Division C Finalists – Newark

★★★

High School Girls Division C 3rd Place – Harlem

★★★

High School Boys Division C Consolations Finalist – Newark

★★★

Middle School Boys Division C Finalists – Harlem

★★★

Middle School Girls Division C Consolation Finalists – Newark

★★★

See more of our photos from UTN click here!