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Who We Are

First State Squash is operated by a small full-time staff dedicated to providing multi-faceted programming. We launched in September 2016 in partnership with the Squash + Education Alliance (SEA) — formerly the National Urban Squash & Education Association (NUSEA). SEA works to create start-up urban squash programs organizations and currently supports 25 member programs and who serve 2,210 students across the country and internationally. We have modeled our organization after similar programs that fall under the SEA network. In 2018, data compiled from various programs under SEA’s umbrella that noted:

  • 96% of their students that complete high school attend post-secondary school.

  • 64% of SEA students complete their degrees in six years or less, compared to the national average of 24% for low-income students. 

  • Urban squash students have been awarded $25 million in scholarships.

 

Staff

Owen Butler

Executive Director

Owen Butler joined the First State Squash family in the Summer of 2019 as the organization’s Executive Director. Owen came to FSS after coaching St. Lawrence University’s Men’s and Women’s squash programs and completing his Masters of Education. Before attending St. Lawrence, Owen worked for 4 years at Squash Haven, New Haven’s urban squash chapter, as their Director of Squash and Operations. Owen is a native of Toronto, Ontario and a graduate of Cornell University, where he majored in Natural Resources. At Cornell, Owen was an integral member of the University’s varsity squash program and a captain his senior year. Owen brings to First State Squash a strong passion for youth development and providing students with access to meaningful academic and athletic opportunities.

Olivia Terzian

Academic Director

Olivia Terzian joins the First State Squash team from outside of Philadelphia in West Chester, PA. Olivia comes to FSS after a year and a half of working with a college access and success non-profit in Philadelphia called College Possible as part of the national Americorps model. Before working as a College Coach with College Possible, Olivia graduated from Bard College in 2019. There she received a degree in Human Rights with a focus in Middle Eastern Studies and Literature. At Bard, Olivia was also the three time captain and founding member of the Women’s varsity squash program. Olivia joins First State Squash in the belief that creating generative relationships and meaningful opportunities will empower youth to reach their full personal goals.

Makyla Kelley

Squash Director

Makyla Kelley joined the First State Squash Team in the Fall 2022 from Chicago, Illinois. Makyla is a MetroSquash alum. Makyla graduated from St. Lawrence University in the Spring of 2022. At St. Lawrence University she studied Sociology and minored in Sports Studies & Exercise Science and Art/Art History. At St. Lawrence University, Makyla played in the top 3 on the Women’s varsity squash team and was captain for 2 years. Some of Makyla’s achievements at St. Lawrence University included Rookie of the Year, All Liberty League, Liberty League Honor Roll, and CSA Scholar-Athlete Honoree. Makyla is passionate about squash and she hopes to create different opportunities for students at First State Squash through squash that would help them grow as individuals.

Hope Yesowitz

Academic Coordinator

Hope Yesowitz joins First State Squash through a community apprenticeship organization called Public Allies of Delaware. She grew up in northern New Jersey and moved to Michigan during the pandemic. Hope graduated from The University of Delaware this past spring with a degree in Cognitive Sciences and focuses in Public Health, Family Studies and Human Development. She is passionate about contemporary issues like equity in education, advocacy for individuals with disabilities, global health and more. Her wish is to spread positivity and promote joy in learning!

Email Hope

Board of Directors

 

Officers

Todd Anderson

Treasurer

Morgan Stanley

Christine P. Schiltz

Chair

Parkowski, Guerke & Swayze, P.A.

James Zug

Secretary

US Squash; Squash Magazine

 

Directors

Quinetta Bowden
SquashSmarts

Ed Chilton
Wilmington Country Club

Jim Domenick
Domenick & Associates Insurance Brokers

Jordan M. Hines
Delaware HIV Consortium

Ian McConnel
CSC Global

Garrett Moritz
Ross Aronstam & Moritz, LLP

Cory Plumb

Dr. Teresa Rush
University of Delaware

Jon Saunders
Christiana Cosmetic Surgery Consultants

Chip Sawyer
Westover Capital Advisors

Aubree Wellons
Dilwyne Designs

Tim Wyant
Squash & Education Alliance

 

Advisory Board

Deborah Bagatta-Bowles

Josephine Bayard

Tina Betz

Chris Buccini

Ray Chan-A-Sue

Rebecca & Mark Collins

Kleon Diamantopoulos

Steven R. Director

Renee & Alex Garnick

Steve Gregg

Buzz Hannum Jr.

Michele Centrella Harra

Dave Henninger

Doug Herrmann

Jamie McConnel

John Osborn

Adam Poff

Laura Rossi

Laurisa Schutt

Ethan Townsend

Rod Ward

John Stockard Wellons

Jack Wyant

 

Partners

Central YMCA of Wilmington

An association of people of all ages, ethnic groups and religions that strives to cultivate the human potential, self-esteem, and dignity of all people.  

Longwood Foundation

The Longwood Foundation is dedicated to the people, environment, and communities of Delaware and Pennsylvania.  

Welfare Foundation

The Welfare Foundation uses its assets to promote the social welfare of people in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

The Tatnall
School

The Tatnall School provides a balanced foundation with exceptional academics, outstanding athletics, unparalleled arts and authentic relationships.

Tower Hill
School

Tower Hill is bound by an understanding that our students are expected to take an active part in school life and, later on, life in the adult world.

Wilmington Friends School

Wilmington Friends challenges students to seek truth, to value justice and peace, and to act as creative, independent thinkers.

Ellice & Rosa McDonald Foundation

In honor of Rosa Hayward McDonald and Ellice McDonald, Jr., generous benefactors and courageous leaders for the causes in which they believed.