Three SEA member programs reached milestones with the openings of new or expanded facilities, setting the stage for enhanced programming and greater community impact.
Steel City Squash: Pittsburgh, PA
On September 7, Steel City Squash officially opened its $11 million, 19,000-square-foot facility in Pittsburgh’s Larimer neighborhood. The center, which had a soft opening in July, was host to SEA’s Midwest Championships, which drew more than 125 SEA students from across the country.
Designed to support both athletic and academic development, the facility includes seven single squash courts and a doubles court. In addition to the sports amenities, the building features classrooms and a college and career counseling office, providing a well-rounded environment for learning and growth. The center is also home to practices and matches for Chatham University’s varsity squash team.
During the grand opening, Executive Director Brad Young and Board Chair David Hillmann addressed attendees and highlighting the importance of the new facility for the organization’s mission and the local community. “This center represents years of planning and collaboration,” said Young. “It’s an exciting step forward for our students and the broader community.”
Steel City Squash aims to use the new space to expand its reach, providing more students with access to sports, academics, and future opportunities. SEA made a $100,000 capital grant to help fund the center’s construction.
Portland Community Squash: Portland, ME
On December 7, Portland Community Squash (PCS) hosted the 2024 Norway Savings Bank Squash Ball to present PCS’s newly expanded facility. Originally a temple, the center is now the Lois Dickson Rice Community Center.
The community center features six singles courts, a doubles court with wood-paneled ceilings, a fitness center, kitchen, and vibrant social spaces. In addition, PCS is expanding its offerings with a new café, reflecting its ongoing commitment to fostering community and connection.
“This expansion represents a pivotal moment for PCS and our community,” said Executive Director Barrett Takesian. “These newly finished spaces will not only expand our programming but also provide a vibrant gathering place for our community to come together, share experiences, and continue growing.”
SEA made a $100,000 grant to the PCS capital campaign.
SquashBusters: Lawrence, MA
On December 10, SquashBusters celebrated the grand opening of the New Balance Foundation SquashBusters Center in Lawrence, which is located about 45 minutes outside of Boston. The state-of-the-art facility, which began construction in the winter of 2022, features eight squash courts, a gym, two locker rooms, three classrooms, offices, meeting spaces, and informal gathering areas. The center is a part of mixed-used community project with 80 units of low-income family housing. Since its launch more
The opening ceremony brought together students, families, supporters, and community members and included remarks by SquashBusters Founder Greg Zaff and CEO Rodney Galvao, who is an alumnus of the program.
The New Balance Foundation SquashBusters Center will enable the program to expand its reach, provide students with greater resources, and foster meaningful community engagement. The opening marks a new chapter in SquashBusters’ mission to empower young people through the combination of squash, education, and mentorship. Lawrence is one of three SquashBuster’s locations, which also include Boston and Providence. SquashBusters Lawrence was launched in 2012, utilizing courts and classrooms at nearby Phillips Academy and the Brooks School.
“What Steel CitySquash, SquashBusters Lawrence, and Portland Community Squash have achieved is simply incredible,” says SEA Executive Director Tim Wyant. “These outstanding organizations mobilized hundreds of people, defied expectations, and turned dreams into reality. All of the people involved — board members, staff, students, families, volunteers — should be enormously proud. The SEA network is inspired by what they’ve accomplished, and we are excited to see the impact these centers have on their communities for years to come.”
This article has been published on the website of the Squash and Education Alliance: Pittsburgh, Portland, and Lawrence Celebrate Major Milestones / Squash and Education Alliance