Over the past couple of months, several of our Access students have been training to be part of the Southern California High School League. The league has been a crucial part of helping to cultivate the game of squash among junior players in the Southern California region. Now in its 7th year, the league is bigger than ever, with three levels of divisions and 25 teams made up of 5 player teams. The first competition was in San Diego in November. Access players showed up on their first weekend, brought their “A” game and played in three matches. They won 5-0 against Santa Barbara, 5-0 against ESLA and then lost 1-4 to the defending champions, San Diego Squash Club. Four weeks ago, Coach Dave traveled with the team north to Aliso Viejo for the second weekend of the league play. They achieved two more team victories, 5-0 over UCLA, while only losing one individual match, 4-1 over Cate School. Last weekend, the SoCal League teams traveled to Pasadena for a competition, and Access results were 2-3 losing to UCLA and prevailing 3-2 over Arroyo Seco. It was a long but animated Sunday drive back home after finishing 1-1 for the day.
Currently, Access is tied for first place in the league!
February 1-2, the SoCal League will return to Pasadena for finals. The first day will be a team event, and the second day an individual event. These experiences are crucial for young squash players to gain confidence, improve their physical health, and network with other squash players. Undoubtedly the most meaningful aspect, however, is the Access team building that happens along the way. The shared experience of cheering on teammates during matches...and cheering them up when they lose, pitting individual and team skills against a variety of players and learning from them, and long hours on the road to and from these matches all combine to create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Good luck SoCal League team!
