The J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions at Grand Central Terminal is a highlight of the squash calendar, and SEA was proud to be at the center of the action again. Across multiple events, SEA brought together supporters, leaders of our member programs and international partners, students, and alumni to celebrate the network’s accomplishments.

SEA Reception
On Thursday, January 23rd, SEA hosted a reception at the Grand Brasserie, bringing together supporters of SEA and our member programs, along with leaders from our international partner organizations in Malaysia, Israel, South Africa, Jordan, and India. This special evening, sponsored by Options Group, was a celebration of the extraordinary work of our network. The event coincided with the opening day of ToC, making it a perfect opportunity to highlight the growth and reach of SEA’s work.

During the reception, Executive Director Tim Wyant, Board Chair Jack Hellmann, Young Professional Board member and MetroSquash alum Will Pemberton, Options Group CEO Mike Karp, and eight-time World Champion Nicol David delivered inspiring remarks. Their words highlighted SEA’s impact, the power of mentorship, and the global reach of our network, setting the tone for an evening of celebration.

Squash and Learn
On January 29th, SEA partnered with Options Group for the second annual Squash and Learn event, an afternoon that paired eight standout SEA alumni with Options Group executives. The event blended high-energy squash matches with valuable career conversations spanning finance, technology, and data science. SEA alumni shared their resumes and career aspirations, while industry mentors provided insights into hiring trends and professional pathways. The event reinforced the deep connections between sport and career development, proving that mentorship extends far beyond the court. We are especially grateful to Options Group for their continued collaboration in making this initiative a success.

High Performance Team Fundraiser
On January 30, members of SEA’s High Performance Team (HPT) and generous donors had an incredible opportunity to step onto the court with professional squash players Grace Gear and Emilia Soini, as well as former pros Adrian Grant and Will Winthrop. Prior to the event SEA raised over $20,000 from more than 85 donors, further strengthening SEA’s efforts to support high-performance squash programming for our students. A special thank you to our fundraising committee and volunteers Mohammad Ayaz, David Beeson, Billy Berner, Will Campo, Edgardo Gonzalez, Luke Hammond, and Alex Lavoie who were instrumental in raising funds. 

We extend our gratitude to John Nimick and the Squash Engine team for their support, and to Options Group for its ongoing partnership in empowering SEA students and alumni. We look forward to continuing our work in expanding opportunities for young people through sport and education.