PJS IS BACK.

AS OF APRIL 18, 2022 PJS WILL BE OFFERING A LIMITED JUNIOR SQUASH INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

PLEASE CONTACT US AT PRINCETONJUNIORSQUASH@GMAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Welcome to Princeton Junior Squash

About Us

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 Princeton and the 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 students supervised by over a dozen qualified coaches. Classes are held 9 months of the year for children ranging in age from 8 to 18. Gail Ramsay, Princeton Women’s Head Coach, is the program director. Bill Ramsay is the Administrative Director.  Gail and Bill are joined  by a group of dedicated, qualified and experienced coaches.

General Philosophy

Over the years, PJS has remained true to its basic philosophy. Our mission is to teach basic squash 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, coaching, 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 PJS program is divided into 3 sessions over a 9 month season: Fall Session (early September to mid October), Winter Session (mid October to early March) and Spring Session (early March to the end of May). Each session classes may vary in length (1 hour to 1.5 hours). Each student will meet for his/her skill and age group class 2 to 3 evenings during the week and Sunday afternoon.  Open court time is also available for our students. Because PJS has the privilege of using Princeton’s 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 University offers 5 one-week camps to interested junior players.

Summer Camp Contact: http://www.princetonsportscamps.com/camps/squash.htm

Fall/Spring Sessions

These sessions are 1 hour (or 1.5 hours) in length and are based on compatible age and skill level.  At the start of the hour the lead coach will take attendance and make appropriate court assignments. We make every effort to distribute the children equally and fairly while still creating an opportunity for mobility. Over the course of the approximate 6-10 week sessions there will be a balance of instruction, drilling and match play. On average there is 1 coach per 4 students but you may also find sessions where it is a 2 to 1 coach ratio. Fitness plays a much heavier role in the Spring and Fall programs for the up and coming tournament minded player.

Winter Session

These sessions are 1 hour (or 1.5 hours) in length and are based on compatible age and skill level. At the start of the hour the lead coach will take attendance and make appropriate court assignments. We make every effort to distribute the children equally and fairly while still creating an opportunity for mobility. Over the course of the approximate 55 sessions there will be a balance of instruction, drilling and match play. On average there is 1 coach per 4 students but you may also find sessions where it is a 2 to 1 coach ratio. The first hour tends to be 8-12 year olds. The second hour tends to be 12-14 year olds. The third hour tends to be 14-18 year olds.

Private and semiprivate lessons are also available. If you are interested in additional instruction, please contact Gail Ramsay (ramsay@princeton.edu) or email PrincetonJuniorSquash@gmail.com for information.

Coaching

Our coaching staff consists of top coaches who have had national and international playing experience as well as coaches who have worked on a varsity high school level. When their schedule allows, Princeton University Varsity players from the men’s and women’s teams assist in coaching.

Non-Profit Status

At its inception PJS operated informally as a branch of CNJSRA (Central NJ Squash Racquets Association). In 1997 PJS became financially independent and in 2001 PJS became a New Jersey nonprofit corporation (501-C7).