"I know I wanted to give back to squash because the sport has given me so much.  We have resources at Yale, our staff, the courts, the connections, the city. It makes so much sense to use these resources to support youth.”

​-John DeWitt, Director of Squash 
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Our Sport
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• Students work with Squash Haven staff, members and coaches of the Yale team, and other volunteers on shot-making technique, footwork, rules of the game, fitness training, and competitive strategy.
• Our squash training takes place in the Brady Squash Center in Yale's historic Payne Whitney Gymnasium. Learn more here.
• Team members progress compete both in individual squash tournaments and as a team against local schools and other SEA programs.
• Our goal is to teach the game, improve skill and fitness levels, and introduce team members to the competitive squash world within the context of a fun, team-oriented environment.  
• 50% of team members play in college!
• We are part of the Fairwest League for interscholastic competition. Click here to learn more about our high school and middle school teams.

We believe that students can only achieve their best when their efforts are part of a healthy lifestyle. Each Squash Haven practice includes demanding drills and related fitness activities, but we know that a healthy lifestyle needs to be part of what we do off the court as well. Our sessions are supplemented by ongoing fitness, nutrition, and wellness education.

Our Health and wellness program includes frequent visits to our community garden plot on Winchester Avenue, where we grow seasonal veggies that team members harvest.

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Health and wellness play a critical role in youth development and at Squash Haven. All of our team members participate in approximately five hours of health and wellness programming throughout the course of each program year. Health and wellness programming is taught both by our staff and by local experts who partner with us.

​Topics covered in recent sessions include:

• Healthy Relationships
• Mindfulness
• Sleep

• Yoga
• Dental Hygiene

 In addition, all students must take the stairs in lieu of the elevator, only drink water at Squash Haven practices, and are provided with a healthy snack every day that includes fresh fruit.