The Arlen Specter National Squash Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, recently played host to the 2025 US Squash Interscholastic Championships, and among the spirited competitors was a remarkable team of young athletes from the Atlanta area. The Atlanta Junior Tornadoes, a diverse group of over a dozen players hailing from both private schools and under-resourced communities, exemplified the unifying power of squash. Their dedication and passion for the sport shone brightly throughout the tournament, showcasing not only their athletic abilities but also the positive impact of cross-community collaboration. This remarkable team was expertly coached by Ahmed Hamza of the Piedmont Driving Club and Tom Pashley of Atlanta Community Squash, whose guidance and expertise were instrumental in the players’ performance over the weekend and in the growth of their skills over the past few years.

Representing Atlanta, the Junior Tornadoes fielded two teams in the competition. The A team, comprised of Kaden McCrary, Alex Resnick, Saahir Lal, Henry Mitchell, Monty Watkins, Marian West, and Taylor Smith, demonstrated impressive skill and teamwork. They battled their way to a 2-2 record, ultimately securing a commendable 7th/8th place finish. Their matches were hard-fought and exciting, a testament to their commitment to the game and the coaching they received. The B team, consisting of Lee Mahoney, Ann Lanier Griffith, Max Collie, Omar Hamza, Yehia Hamza, Kathryn McElroy, and Bobby Martorella, faced tough opposition in their matches.

While the B team may not have achieved the same win-loss record as their A team counterparts, their presence at the championships was equally significant. They displayed incredible sportsmanship and determination in every game, gaining valuable experience against some of the best junior squash players in the nation. The tournament provided an invaluable learning opportunity for all members of the team, regardless of their team’s results.

Beyond mere scores and rankings, the true success of the Atlanta Junior Tornadoes lies in the relationships built and the lessons learned. The U.S. Squash Interscholastic Championships offered these young athletes a chance to compete at a high level, travel to a prestigious venue, and interact with peers from across the country. The experience at the Specter Center, with its state-of-the-art facilities, was undoubtedly inspiring for all the players.

These young players, representing the diverse landscape of Atlanta, proved that squash can bring people together and create opportunities for leadership, perseverance and success both on and off the court. Their experience, guided by Ahmed and Tom, inspires us all in the SESRA community to never give up at this game we love and to cherish the dedication of the coaches and families who support us.

The draw is available here: https://clublocker.com/tournaments/16388/draws?divisionId=208&sectionId=38&viewMode=detailed&offset=0