Player Development Pathway
Building Champions, Inspiring the Future
Unlocking Potential One Step at a Time
US Squash’s Player Development Pathway is designed to identify and nurture future champions by recognizing promising players early and providing them with the training, coaching, and competitive opportunities needed to maximize their potential. This structured system offers a clear roadmap for progression, guiding athletes, coaches, and families through each stage of development—from grassroots participation to elite international performance—ensuring a seamless and sustainable journey to success.
With the 2028 Olympics serving as a watershed moment for squash in the United States, our pathway is not just about development—it’s about building a lasting legacy. The US Squash Player Development Pathway is more than just a system—it’s a commitment to sustained excellence and Olympic success. By laying the foundation for future generations of squash players—starting with robust grassroots programs—we are shaping the champions of tomorrow and securing a bright future for the sport in the United States.
Contact nationalteams@ussquash.org to find out how to get involved.
The National Squash Academy (NSA) serves as the cornerstone of US Squash’s Player Development pathway. The program is focused on athletes who are already competing at a national level or have been identified as having the potential to reach the elite level. The program includes junior players at the early stages of their development and follows them as they transition to senior levels or progress from amateur to professional squash. The primary focus is to identify and cultivate talent across all stages of development, creating a structured pathway for each athlete and to build a pipeline of world-class athletes capable of competing on the international stage.
At the heart of this pathway is a strong grassroots foundation, where young players are introduced to the sport, develop fundamental skills, and foster a lifelong passion for squash. Community-based programs, junior leagues, and school partnerships play a vital role in expanding access to the sport, identifying promising athletes, and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to pursue squash at a competitive level. By investing in grassroots initiatives, US Squash is not only growing participation but also strengthening the talent pipeline that feeds into elite development.
With squash officially included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, the importance of a well-defined development pathway has never been greater. The Olympic stage represents the pinnacle of athletic achievement, and US Squash is committed to preparing its athletes to compete for gold on home soil. Our pathway is strategically aligned to ensure American squash players receive world-class training, exposure to elite competition, and the high-performance support necessary to thrive on the Olympic stage. By nurturing talent now—starting at the grassroots level—US Squash are building a Team USA Squash squad that will be ready to seize this historic opportunity and showcase the sport’s intensity, athleticism, and global appeal.
One of the key benefits of the US Squash Talent Pathway is its commitment to long-term athlete development. By incorporating age-appropriate training and competition, we ensure that athletes progress at a sustainable pace while minimizing the risks of burnout, injuries, and early dropout. The pathway fosters a steady pipeline of elite competitors, strengthening the future of Team USA Squash in international competition, including the World Championships, Pan American Games, and now, the Olympics.
Additionally, by offering clear opportunities for progression at every level, US Squash inspires more players to stay engaged in the sport—whether they aspire to compete professionally or continue as lifelong participants. We are committed to inclusiveness and accessibility, ensuring that talent is identified and nurtured across diverse communities, broadening the sport’s reach and impact.