The Philadelphia Public League marked the end of its third squash season with its culminating team championships, February 11, at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center.
Two years ago, US Squash, SquashSmarts and the Philadelphia School District partnered to introduce squash into the Philadelphia Public League’s roster of sports with the Specter Center and SquashSmarts Lenfest Center serving as the homes for practice and match play over the last two years.
Continuing the momentum from the first two seasons, the PPL squash league featured squash teams from five schools, including the Masterman School, Philadelphia High School for Girls, Esperanza Academy, George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science and Parkway West High School.
“Team squash teaches kids the values of supporting your teammates, determination and hard work, but most importantly having fun together with your friends and classmates,” said Sakora Miller, Specter Center Director of Community Programming. “We’re so grateful for the support of our partners including the Philadelphia School District, Squash Smarts and participating schools for providing these important opportunities for the students.”
“Squash offers an alternative to traditional sports, and Philadelphia public leagues stand out as the only inner-city squash league in existence. While often perceived as an individual sport, squash fosters resilience, teamwork, and cooperation among players. Its non-traditional roots provide students with a sense of respect and responsibility, as they experience the dynamics of team participation and competition,” said Tim Morrison, Vice President of Youth Sports Development at the Philadelphia Public League. “During the winter months, squash serves as a vital outlet for students, allowing them to stay engaged in healthy competition through rigorous training and structured gameplay.”
Masterman took home both the boys and girls team titles for the second time in three years. The Masterman girls defeated Girls High in the final to win a third straight title. The Masterman boys avenged their 2024 loss against Esperanza to win the program’s second title.
