StreetSquash Harlem GU19 Champions

The fifteenth Urban Team Nationals saw first-time champions Racquet Up (Detroit) and StreetSquash (Harlem) claim the U19 division titles in what was the largest Urban Team Nationals in tournament history at StreetSquash Harlem, Poly Prep Country Day School and Eastern Athletic Club in New York City, January 19-21.

More than 500 players representing eighteen different North American programs made history as the largest urban teams in the tournament’s fifteenth year.

Detroit’s Racquet Up made program history in the BU19 division, dropping only two matches all tournament and defeating StreetSquash Harlem 4-1 in the final to claim the program’s first Urban Team Nationals title.

“This national championship, the first for Racquet Up, means so much to these young men,” said Derek Aguirre, Executive Director of Racquet Up Detroit. “After more than seven years of commitment, training, and teamwork they have proven that Detroit can compete on a national level, and that dedication pays off. This is a fitting send-off for our first class of graduating seniors, and leaves a legacy for our younger students to work toward.”

Tournament hosts StreetSquash Harlem won their third GU19 title in program history, topping defending champs Squash Haven in the round robin. Squash Haven and CitySquash dominated the U17, U15 and U13 divisions with each program claiming three titles. View all results here.

“Watching students simply enjoy themselves was the highlight of my weekend,” said Jazmin Matos, SEA’s Operations and Events Director and an alumna of StreetSquash. “I remember my excitement in experiencing this tournament for the first time. It’s nice to be a part of making it memorable for the next generation of students.”

View Urban Teams images on the SEA SmugMug page.

While the tournament celebrated athletic excellence on court, it also recognized academic excellence with essay contests.

2018 Urban Teams Essay Contest Awards:

U13 Finalist – Selina Hokello (Urban Squash Cleveland)
U13 Winner – Angela Wisdom (Capitol Squash)

U15 Finalist – Firdaus Shallo (Urban Squash Toronto)
U15 Winner – Thomasine Fletcher (Squash Haven)

U17 Finalist – Shaheed Muhammed (Squash Haven)
U17 Winner – Djulia Sekariyongo-Koyta (Access Youth Academy)

U19 Finalist – Kianna Robinson (StreetSquash)
U19 Winner – Antar Jimenez, Jr. (SquashBusters Lawrence)

Racquet Up BU19 Champions (image: Rob White photography)