Greenwich Middle School Squash Club Heads To Nationals In Philadelphia

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Public Schools will be well-represented at the U.S. Middle School Team Squash Nationals this weekend in Philadelphia, Pa.

Two teams made up of boys and girls from the Greenwich Middle School Squash Club (GMSSC) will compete in the tournament which is slated for Jan. 27-29 at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center.

The GMSSC is a parent-led organization. This is the first time since 2020 GPS is sending any of its students to compete at team nationals, according to Western Middle School PTA President Grace Natale.

Seeding order for the Greenwich Middle School Squash Team are as follows:

Boys/co-ed

1. James Tesei, Central Middle School
2. Blake Natale, Western Middle School
3. James Geiger, Eastern Middle School
4. Ryder Garcia, Central Middle School
5. Alex Duda, Eastern Middle School

Girls

Marion Lindsay, Central Middle School

1. Karen Tian-yi Chen, Eastern Middle School
2. Maisy Young, Central Middle School
3. Grace Scharff, Central Middle School
4. Youhan Liang, Eastern Middle School
5. Terra McDonnell, Central Middle School

Bea Heartzmark is an alternate for both teams

Kristin Duda and Gillian Geiger are EMS parents and the co-leaders of the GMSSC this year. They both noted that the Greenwich middle school squash program continues to grow each year, and that it serves as a great way to bring new and experienced squash players from the town's three middle schools under one roof at the Greenwich Water Club.

"We've been amazed by our players' dedication and enthusiasm during practices, matches and jamborees this season. We are thrilled to bring a strong boys and girls team to Middle School Nationals in Philadelphia and look forward to culminating our winter season with this experience," the two said.

Squash player Terra McDonnell said the team is excited to compete at Nationals and see the best players from other schools.

"I have never been to the Specter Center and hear it is an amazing facility. The GMSSC team has worked hard this season and learned a ton from our coaches. We hope to play well and make our parents proud," she said.

Fellow squash player and sixth grader James Geiger said the event is beneficial to all.

"US Nationals is a great way to push novices into improving their skill sets and an exciting experience," he said.

Sixth grader Alex Duda is competing in his first Nationals.

"I love the GMSSC program since it lets kids of all skill levels get to experience and play squash," he said. "I'm really excited to participate in my first Nationals!"

Other teams from Greenwich are also making the trip down to Philadelphia.

In the boys/coed division will be Brunswick School's A and B teams.

Greenwich Academy (Green & Gold teams), Greenwich Country Day School (A and B teams) and Sacred Heart Greenwich are sending teams in the girls division.

A livestream of the squash matches this weekend is available on YouTube.