Successful launch is an understatement. Last week, the Montana squash community celebrated the grand opening of the first outdoor squash courts in the state and the largest outdoor squash facility in the United States. Set against the mountains at the Missoula YMCA Airnasium, the new courts represent far more than a beautiful place to play. They are proof of what can happen when vision, generosity, and community come together.
The weekend began with a ribbon cutting on Friday morning, followed by youth clinics for YMCA summer campers. Professional National Squash League players Spencer Lovejoy, Salim Khan, Andrew Douglas, Bransten Ming, Amanda Sobhy, and Sabrina Sobhy joined local standouts Matt Baker-White and Jack Branston for an unforgettable lineup of squash.
Friday afternoon featured a National Squash League format pro-am exhibition, followed by a community barbecue and the first professional level squash match ever played in Montana. Amanda Sobhy and Spencer Lovejoy took center stage for a spirited best of five “Battle of the Sexes” match, refereed by Sabrina Sobhy. On Saturday, the celebration continued with free community clinics that welcomed new and experienced players onto the courts.
The event brought together professional players, US Squash CEO Mollie Marcoux Samaan, Squash and Education Alliance Executive Director Tim Wyant, donors, parents, local players, and squash enthusiasts from across Montana and throughout the United States. The joy surrounding the courts was matched by the pride of the community members who worked tirelessly to fundraise, plan, and bring this ambitious project to life. Without Matt Baker-White’s longtime vision for squash in Montana and the dedication of key committee members, this dream would not have become a reality.
When asked if he could complete the project in less than six months, Jordan Aldrich of Sunrise Courts rose to the challenge. His expertise and determination helped transform a bold idea into an extraordinary facility. These courts are a testament to everyone who believed that squash could not only find a home in Montana, but truly thrive there.
I was proud to attend the celebration on behalf of the College Squash Association and to connect with representatives from US Squash, the Squash and Education Alliance, the National Squash League, and the many players, donors, families, and supporters who made the weekend possible. Bringing together so many parts of the squash community created an incredible opportunity to share ideas, strengthen relationships, and imagine what might come next. Moments like this remind us that the future of squash depends on collaboration across every level of the game, from youth and community programs to professional and collegiate squash.
As a first time visitor to Missoula, I already know it will not be my last. There is nothing quite like playing the sport you love with the mountains as your backdrop, then ending the day with your feet in the Clark Fork River. A river truly does run through it! The professionals never stopped smiling, new players could not wait to get on court, and the joy and energy were contagious. This weekend made one thing clear: squash is here, squash is growing, and it can happen anywhere.
Lovey Roundtree
Director of Expansion
College Squash Association
