Our Program

St. Paul's School squash is one of the strongest programs in the New England prep school ranks as well as nationally in the USA high school standings. Our program has something for everyone — our rosters include top players from around the world and students just new to the game.

The SPS squash philosophy is centered on integrating college-level coaching styles into the high school experience. The approach emphasizes not only technical skills and competitive success but also personal growth, sportsmanship and players' holistic development.

SPS squash is deeply rooted in fostering an environment where student-athletes can thrive both on and off the court. There is a focus on building teamwork, personal excellence, humility and courage, which aligns with the broader athletic values at SPS.

If you are interested in playing squash at St. Paul's School, please fill out our questionnaire.

Coaching

Since taking over the program in 2014, Head Coach Chris Smith has raised the level of the SPS squash program to new heights in both New England and national rankings. In 2019 both teams were ranked in the top 10 nationally — the girls at #10 and the boys at #3. The teams have produced many college squash players, won New England Team Sportsmanship Awards and New England titles, and developed All-New England and All-American award winners. In 2015 and 2016 Coach Smith was named to the U.S. Squash Top 50 Coaches list, the only high school coach to gain that honor in either year.

Prior to arriving at SPS, Coach Smith served as the men's and women's assistant squash coach and director of recruiting at Harvard University. During that time he helped coach the women's team to three straight national championship games, winning it all in 2010.

Coach Smith coached two College Individual National Champions, won two Ivy League titles, and developed numerous College All-Americans. Additionally, he was the founding head coach at Northeastern University and led the program to a top-20 national ranking in its first three years of existence.

Coach Smith also coached the USA Junior National Team (2003-2007), which appeared in two World Junior Championships during his tenure, and worked as head squash professional at The Union Boat Club in Boston. Coach Smith started his squash coaching career as the director of squash at Squashbusters in Boston, and has been active in supporting urban squash programs for more than two decades. Coach Smith holds Level 1 and Level 2 US Squash Coach and USA Lacrosse Level 1 certifications.

Coach Smith played college squash at Hobart College, qualifying for the CSA individuals all four years. He posted a four-year record of 47-26 and was voted team captain his senior year. He was a two-time winner of the Dr. Frank P. Smith '36 Award. He also earned the 1995-96 Hobart Squash Trophy Award and the 1994-95 Hobart Squash Rookie Award.

In the News...

St. Paul's School and squash have been a perfect match for more than 140 years. Now, the School is poised to take its position in the sport to the next level.

In the fall of 2007, Chris Smith, then the men's and women's assistant coach at Harvard University, embarked on one of the most important recruitments of his young career: Will Ahmed '08. In Ahmed, who a few months later would captain the St. Paul's School boys squash team to its first new England Class A Championship in 18 years, Smith saw a potential anchor for his Harvard team. The fact that Ahmed had cut his competitive teeth at the oldest and one of the most prestigious high school squash programs in the country was a significant aspect of Smith's interest in adding him to his own program.

READ THE FULL STORY »

Become Big Red. The color will suit you.

Sportsmanship, respect and kindness are at the core of our coaching and playing, whether at the club, junior varsity or varsity team level. On the field, court and ice, students step into leadership roles, taking as their role models the coaches who also serve as their classroom teachers and house advisers. Our 95,000-square-foot Athletic and Fitness Center serves the entire St. Paul's community, helping all students prioritize their physical well being — no matter their athletic interests or skill level.

Still have questions about the SPS squash program? Send us an email: squash@sps.edu