I love swag. There’s nothing like it for building a sense of shared identity around a cause. On that note, I’ve had the most fantastic time over the last few weeks getting some t-shirts made for my squash team. I’m lucky enough to serve as a team captain in the New York Squash league. Our mixed men’s and women’s team, “The Underdogs”, play at Open Squash in Bryant Park. Established a few years back, the mission of the club is to open squash for everyone. With squash becoming an Olympic sport in 2028 this is a great time for it to ditch the elitist image of the past. It’s incredible for fitness, and research shows playing squash can add seven years to life. That’s something everybody should get to enjoy, and Open Squash offers discounted memberships. Anyone in New York can afford to join up and play. I love the place. It’s amazing.
As a team captain, I show up and support our players in the league even when I’m not playing myself. I love to watch the games and root for every point. We practice together on Sundays, and I’ve made good friends at the club. To be honest, I’d say the social aspect is a major reason I love the game. I also loved working with Squash Dudes to get these t-shirts designed. The co-founder, Peter Creed, is our coach at the club. He used to play on the world tour and has a positive attitude and tons of energy. His wife Ellie is also his creative director. Together, they worked with a designer to come up with these incredible t-shirts. We’ve got a limited run of 25 and I’ve already almost sold out! (There’s one left. If you’d like it, they’re $45 plus shipping, and let me know your size by Friday.)
Over the last few weeks, I also enjoyed working with fellow club member Gillian Francis to place an article. Her piece about the benefits of playing squash found its way into Crain’s New York Business. Here’s the intro:
“As a Black woman in New York, I’m not the stereotypical squash player. Recent news that squash will be an Olympic sport in 2028 heralds a huge boost in inclusion. Here’s why that matters.”
“First invented in England, where I happen to have been born to Caribbean parents, squash spread globally with the British Empire. It was once the elitist preserve of mostly white men. But the game is becoming more open, and it will look different in a few years’ time.”
“I’m a venture capital climate tech investor, and my journey into squash is a bit like my journey into finance. Both were stuffy white male environments that are now evolving and opening up to everyone. My parents immigrated to West New York, New Jersey when I was 4 years old. As working-class immigrants in New Jersey they emphasized the importance of education.”
…and the club has also opened a new location downtown. They’re offering a free month of membership, a free clinic, and a free squash lesson. Enter your details here and someone from Open Squash will get in touch.
The point of all this is that if you’re going to do something, you might as well do it. It’s advice I’ve been reflecting on from Arnold Schwarzenegger. “Wenn schon den schon.” If you’re going to do something, do it.
In other words? Make t-shirts. Thanks for reading, as always.
