The 2024 High School Team Nationals took place in Philadelphia from February 23rd-25th and CitySquash had two teams competing in the Boys’ V and VII Divisions. Both teams competed exceptional well, and both finished the weekend as runners-up in the respective divisions. The team representing the Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics (BCSM) made it to the final of Division VII where they played against Avon High School. The team showed incredible effort and skill throughout the match, narrowly falling short on a National Title by a score of 3-4. In Division V, CitySquash’s team representing Morris Academy for Collaborative Studies (MACS), played the #1 seed, McDonogh, in the final. The team also put up a valiant effort and like there BCSM counterparts, just missed out on the win by a final score of 3-4. Congratulations to all 14 of our high schoolers for representing CitySquash and their Bronx high schools so well!
This year, we celebrate the 15th anniversary of The Asher-Ezra Scholarship Fund, founded in 2008 by Elizabeth da Trindade-Asher (Lizzie) and Daniel Ezra.
Lizzie grew up in Lima, Peru, won a scholarship to Duke University, and graduated from Harvard Law School while Daniel grew up in Mumbai, India and London, England, and attended Harvard University where he became one of the most decorated squash players in the school’s history. Their extraordinary personal journeys instilled in them a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives, and so on the occasion of their wedding, they created the CitySquash Asher-Ezra Scholarship Fund and asked their friends and family to support this initiative in lieu of gifts. For the last decade and a half, the Asher-Ezra Scholarship has supported a growing group of CitySquashers who excel academically and athletically and make the decision to enroll in private high schools. To date, there have been 25 Scholars, 16 of whom have captained their high school or college squash team.
Billy Fleurima (Taft ’18, Connecticut College ’22) says, “It means the world to me to be an Asher-Ezra Scholar. Ever sine I first met Lizzie and Daniel, they’ve shown me nothing but support. They always encouraged me to go beyond my limits, whether that was applying to highly ambitious schools, trying new foods even though I am a very picky eater, or going after my professional dreams. They have never once put me down and always provided me guidance to get where I want to be, even in moments when others doubted me. On top of all that, Lizzie and Daniel truly are just wonderful individuals. That is what I admire about them the most. Their genuine selflessness and care for others.”
During high school, Asher-Ezra Scholars receive financial assistance, academic counseling, and mentoring. Lizzie and Daniel have continuously set the bar for excellence in their own lives and inspire the students to do so as well. Asher-Ezra Scholars are expected to be exemplary student-athletes who strive to be their best not only in the classroom and on the court, but also in their respective school communities at large. The group meets formally twice a year for dinners, and a strong community has been formed.
Victoria Haghighi (Brooks School ’19, Bates College ’23) says, “Asher-Ezra has done so much for my academic career. Although I graduated from high school in 2019, Lizzie and Daniel still reach out and offer to help in whatever ways they can. Most recently, they have helped me submit my graduate school applications. I am always invited to dinners with the current scholars. They are truly amazing people, and I am so lucky to have been a part of their program. They continue to inspire me and I am grateful for their guidance since joining their program.”
The long-time dedication of Lizzie and Daniel is an incredible example of a way in which supporters can make a meaningful and long term impact within the CitySquash community. Financial stress is one of the leading reasons students drop out of high school and college, and research continues to show that strong adult support for students leads to positive academic outcomes. CitySquash is grateful for the generosity, thoughtfulness, and dedication of Lizzie and Daniel and the Asher-Ezra Scholarship Fund. The cohort of scholars has had incredible success academically, athletically, and professionally, no doubt in part because of this program. We look forward to many generations of Asher-Ezra scholars to come.
Asher-Ezra Scholars have attended the following schools:
The 2024 SEA Team Nationals took place at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center from January 26th-28th. CitySquash once again had the largest contingent with 50 players making the trip down to Philadelphia to compete. In the end, CitySquash had finalists in three of the four Championship Draws (High School Girls, Middle School Boys, Middle School Girls). The CitySquash High School Girls claimed their third-straight SEA National Title by defeating Access Youth Academy 4-1 in the finals. The Middle School Boys pulled off consecutive upsets of the #2 seed, SquashSmarts, in the semi-final and #1 seed, SquashBusters Providence, in the final en route to claiming CitySquash’s fifth consecutive SEA National Title in the division! The Middle School Girls team missed out on the CitySquash finals sweep, losing narrowly in the championship match to SquashDrive by a score of 3-2. Thanks to the extraordinary performances of our team members, CitySquash’s tally of SEA National Titles now stands at a record 122!
On February 10th, 2023, CitySquash traveled to Philadelphia once again to compete in SEA’s National Team Championships. Under one banner, 70 team members from the Bronx and Brooklyn competed against other member programs of the Squash and Education Alliance.
Out of the four A divisions, CitySquash took home titles in the High School Girls and the Middle School Boys divisions and third place finishes in High School Boys and Middle School Girls divisions.
It was an amazing weekend which saw incredible wins and valiant efforts from every team member attending. Lifelong memories were forged and team camaraderie was in full force.
For the first time in three years, 55 CitySquash team members traveled to Philadelphia at the Arlen Specter Center to compete in the SEA Individual Championships!
Our team members were able to bring home four more titles:
– Rokaya (GU13)
– Rodrigo (BU13)
– Ahmed (BU15)
– Giselle (GU19)
Along with the titles, CitySquash also had three 2nd place, five 3rd place, three 4th place, and four 5th place finishes!
We are continually astounded with our team members’ competitive spirit and determination.
It is incredibly important to CitySquash that time off is not time wasted. That is why during the school’s Mid-Winter break, our team members committed themselves to many different trips and experiences.
7th graders witness the boarding school experience at from Millbrook’s zoo to Berkshire’s Squash courts
6th graders explore the New York Historical Society
9th graders ring the famous Gong at Pugsley’s Pizzeria in the Bronx
8th graders dodge balls at SkyZone
High Schoolers make their own bubble tea and taste test against the real deal at Gong Cha
This December, Billy and Luigi played their last match together for Connecticut College before graduating early. Unfortunately, this meant that they would not be able to compete in the College Squash Association’s National Championships. However, that did not stop the CSA from recognizing the pair’s academic success and naming them as 2021-2022 Scholar Athletes! Billy and Luigi are both looking forward to starting their careers this year at UBS and Good Morning America respectively. Hats off to all of their hard work and success.
On Sunday, October 24th we held our 11th Annual Black & Orange Day at the M.S. 45 Field in a new outdoor format with the help of M.S. 45, our oldest partner school in the Bronx.
Over 100 team members, family members, and mentors competed in outdoor squash, word scrambles, kickball, and soccer. Going into the final Basketball competition worth three points, the Black Team led the Orange Team 18-16.
This year, the shirts featured the initials “JS” to honor our team member James Solano who tragically passed in 2020. After hearing his friends speak about the impact he had on their lives and countless others, we dedicated the Basketball game to his memory. At the end of the day, it was the Orange team with the game-winning shot to put a cap on our 11th Annual Black & Orange Day. Below are photos of the event and competitions.
After a virtual year in 2020, we want thank all who came and helped make it a memorable day for the CitySquash team!
The changeover of innings during kickball
The Orange team cheers on their squad during soccer
CitySquash’s version of outdoor squash!
The Orange Team celebrates the game winning layup!
Twin sisters Genesis and Nicole graduated from Mt. Holyoke together, wrapping up a cumulative 22 years with CitySquash!
Hats off to the Class of 2021!
Despite a year unlike any other, our Class of 2021 wrapped up their college careers successfully and graduated in both virtual and in-person ceremonies. Congratulations to our five graduates, all of whom are first-generation college graduates!
CLASS OF 2021
Nicole Lara Granados – Mt. Holyoke College
Genesis Lara Granados – Mt. Holyoke College
Alexandra Limas – St. Lawrence University
Mariela Mendoza – Bowdoin College
Bianca Troche – St. Lawrence University
It’s Never Quiet on the Placement Front
As another school year comes to a close, we are thrilled to celebrate the many acceptances our college seniors and those applying to private schools received. All eight of our graduating seniors are headed to four-year colleges next year and three of them will continue their squash careers and suit up for their school’s varsity teams. Another seven students gained acceptance to private high schools, bringing CitySquash’s total of successful school placements to 105. Congratulations to all and we can’t wait tto follow you through your next chapters!
COLLEGE PLACEMENT
Elizabeth Barroso – Colby College
Anthony Cruz – SUNY New Paltz
Roberto Cruz – SUNY Oswego
Fatima Hernandez – Lehman College
Dalia Hipolito – Siena College
Alan Lopez – Colby College
Xitlaly Santos – Lehman College
Dainalee Velez – Bates College
PRIVATE SCHOOL PLACEMENT
Ashanti Amastal – Loomis Chaffee School
Jesus Fierro – Trinity-Pawling School
Randy Guzman – Berkshire School
David Paxtor – White Mountain School
Pablo Paxtor – Tabor Academy
Aaliyah Sampson – Kent School
James Vasquez – Indian Mountain School
Fatima celebrates her graduation from Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics.
Year-End Awards & Leadership Positions
Dainalee Velez was awarded the inaugural Casertano Cup at the Millbrook School Commencement ceremony. A special Commencement prize, the Caserano Cup is given for growth and perseverance in pursuit of the best self and the common good.
Giselle Ciriaco was voted Student Body President at Suffield Academy for the 2021-2022 school year. A rising senior at Suffield, Giselle has served as Class President for the past two years. Giselle says she is “honored and excited to represent the Suffield student body” and wants to “focus on mental health awareness and being united.”
This year’s CitySquash Reads was based on Jonah Winters’s book “Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx”. The event was held on June 3rd virtually, and team members from the Bronx and Brooklyn came together to discuss the book and engage in activities based off the book including jeopardy, crossword puzzles and a poem writing session. Luke, an 8th grade team member, said his favorite activity was “the jeopardy game because that’s when we got to go against each other to see who knows the book better” while Samantha, another 8th grader, said “my favorite part of CitySquash reads was being able to interact with our friends in various ways!
Thank you to all who participated and helped make the event a success.
Team members gathered on Zoom to discuss Jonah Winter’s book “Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx.” Team members’ knowledge of the book was put to test in jeopardy!
