This is the sport that built me.

I discovered squash a little over a decade ago. I loved being an athlete but struggled to find a sport that truly felt like mine. I wanted something that demanded everything from me, something that matched my pace.

I was immediately addicted the first time I ever played.

The pace. The challenge. The way every match is a puzzle. Squash is chess on legs. It’s a game of resilience that forces you to be fully present. I find it completely meditative and grounding.

That energy for squash only grew in college. I felt compelled to share the sport with everyone I met. Squash became my way of building relationships. I've taught dozens of friends the game, whether in some basement gym with Avicii blasting or casually between classes. Those early, playful memories are the moments that shaped my love for it.

In 2018, I interned with US Squash at Portland Community Squash, a facility that pioneered the Community Squash Model. People were there for the connection, not just the sport. After college, I dove deeper, supporting the growth of the women's squash community at Open Squash in NYC.

All of these unique squash experiences led me to create Squash Social.

I fully acknowledge that squash is intense, intimidating, and not exactly intuitive. The learning curve is steep. And for curious newcomers, there's a real gap.

My goal is to close that gap by cultivating an environment where people feel comfortable starting their squash journey. Every Squash Social event is curated for connection and fun. I'll meet you where you are.

If you've been squash-curious and don't know where to begin, I'd be thrilled for this to be your start.

stay squashy,

Lauren Mariano