Princeton Junior Squash
Princeton Junior Squash was founded in 1988 by Formerly nationally ranked squash players Nina Moyer and Dede Webster. The primary focus of the program was to provide children in the Princeton and surrounding areas with an opportunity to discover and enjoy the game of squash. Based at Princeton University’s Jadwin Gym, the Program expanded over time from a handful of children with 2 coaches to its present size of 100 plus students supervised by over a dozen qualified coaches. Classes are held 9 months of the year for children ranging in age from 8-18. Gail Ramsay, the current Princeton Women’s Head coach, is the Programs Executive Director. Bill Ramsay is the Administrative Director of the program as well as being one of the many qualified coaches for the program.
General Philosophy
Over the years, PJS has remained true to its basic philosophy. Our mission is to teach basic fundamentals to juniors; to create a positive competitive environment for all levels of play;to encourage friendship and sportsmanship; and most importantly, to build a firm foundation for a lifetime sport. The program provides a mix of instruction, drilling, and intramural play as well as team matches with nearby school programs. In order to meet the needs of our more advanced players, PJS provides private and semi-private lessons as well as a competitive training program. Coaches are available to advise elite players on subjects ranging from fitness and nutrition, mental training, personal training techniques and tournament play.
Program Schedule
The program is divided into 3 sessions. Fall (September-October), Winter (October-March), and Spring (March-May). The Fall and Spring sessions feature 1 and 1.5 hour sessions and the winter features 1 hour sessions fr most of the participants. Each student is placed in a skill appropriate class and whjich meets 2-3 times per week. Open play time is also available for our students. Because PJS has the privilege of using the Princeton Varsity facility, during the height of the intercollegiate season it is occasionally necessary to adjust our schedule. Although PJS does not offer a formal program during the summer months, Princeton offers 6 one week camps to interested junior players. If interested, please go to the link below.
www.princetonsportscamps.com/camps/squash.htm
Sessions
The sessions are either 1 hour or 1.5 hour in length and are based on compatible age and skill level when possible. At the start of each session upon the arrival of each student the lead coach will assign the arriving player a court. We make every effort to distribute the children equally while still creating an opportunity for mobility. Over the course of the 46 sessions there will be a balance of coaching drilling match play. On average, there will be a 4 to 1 player to coach ratio*. The winter session is as follows:
1st Hour (6:45-7:45) 8-12 year olds
2nd hour (7:45-8:45) 12-18 year olds
3rd hour (8:45-9:45) Elite players by invitation only
Private and semi-private lessons are available by contacting Gail at ramsay@princeton.edu or princetonjuiorsquash@gmail.com