Early Summer 2010 Update
Squash Haven Players Compete in US Squash Bronze Nationals; Danajah Pugh 2nd !!!
On Friday, April 16th through Sunday, April 18th , eleven Squash Haven team members participated in the US Squash Bronze Nationals held at Yale University. After a series of intense April vacation practices, Squash Haven came away with some excellent performances on their home courts. Michael Rodriguez finished 3rd in the Boys Under 13 and Alanis Perez won the Plate in the Girls Under 15. In the strongest finish of the weekend, and in her first tournament ever, Danajah Pugh came in second place in the Girls Under 13.
US Squash Announces Final Rankings for
the 2009-2010 Season
Thirteen Squash Haven players have been listed in US Squash's final junior rankings for the 2009-2010 season, the highest number ever for Squash Haven! In order to be eligible for a US Squash final ranking, players must compete in at least four US Squash tournaments and pass the US Squash club level referee certification exam. Receiving rankings this year are:
Boys Under 13
Michael Rodriguez 78
Javier Gonzalez 86
Steven Ruiz 98
Tymel Barker 104
Joby Jordan-Davis 117
Carmelo Reyes 121
Boys Under 15
Michael Berrios 143
Derek Lawrence 159
Erick Soto 171
Mark Wilson 198
Alexis Ramirez 216
Girls Under 13
Dania Haughton* 43
Leslie Cotrina* 54
Danajah Pugh* 97
Girls Under 15
Aaliyah Davidson 88
Eneida Martinez 99
Alanis Perez* 166
Ashley Sanchez* 180
*Tentative
Squash Haven Team Members Raise
$200 for Haiti Relief
When the earthquake struck Haiti in January, eighth grade team member Alexis Ramirez had an idea: he wanted to do something to support earthquake relief in Haiti. It was then that our first international and student-driven community service project was born. Eighth grade team members met over the spring to organize a refreshment stand at the US Squash Bronze Nationals. They bought supplies, baked homemade treats, and staffed a table for a long weekend of sales. After selling sports drinks, snacks, and candy to hungry customers throughout the weekend, the team donated their profit of $200 to the Red Cross for Haiti relief. In addition to raising money, Squash Haven team members also honed their initative taking, advertising, and customer relations skills.
Academic Spotlight: Vocabulary Bee
As part of academic enrichment, the Squash Haven team has been learning and studying vocabulary words in preparation for the SSAT exam. Each month, Squash Haven team members receive 30-40 new words and 10-15 new roots to learn, culminating in a team-wide vocabulary bee. Vocabulary bees have been a great way for Squash Haven team members to test their competitive skills outside of the squash arena and have become a monthly highlight for all kids, volunteers, and staff. Finalists for May's installment of the vocabulary bee were:
5th/6th Grade
Moubarak Ouru-Aguy
Tyrese Evans
7th/8th Grade
Michael Berrios
Alanis Perez
Erick Soto
Squash Haven Faces StreetSquash in Largest Match Ever!!!
On Saturday May 8th, Squash Haven hosted StreetSquash for our biggest urban squash match ever. Over 80 first, second, and third year team members from both programs came together for a spirited contest. After a great afternoon of sweat, hustle, and good sportsmanship, Squash Haven emerged victorious, earning back the esteemed Street Haven Trophy that StreetSquash has held since its first year team victory in March.
Volunteer Spotlight: Charlotte Zonis
Charlotte Zonis, a 13 year old 7th grader from New Canaan, Connecticut has raised $2,449 for Squash Haven since March. Charlotte, a squash player herself, got the idea to do her Bat Mitzvah project for Squash Haven after meeting and befriending several Squash Haven team members at a US Squash tournament last year. Since then, she has hosted a pool party with the team, come up to play with team members, organized a benefit tournament at St. Luke's School in March, and run a school and squash supply drive at school. What a great role model. Thank You Charlotte!!!
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