School squash in the US

Although squash isn't a high profile sport in the US, many thousands of kids play squash recreationally for fun; in middle school and high school leagues; in local, national, and international tournaments; and on into college and professional squash.

Like most sports, many kids play just for fun and the love of the game. Most "juniors" (players 18 or under) then move onto competition, and here squash really shines, because there are tournaments at every level, with divisions just for beginners. The 2025 US Junior Open had almost 1000 players from age 8 to 18.

Almost all the kids who play in tournaments also participate in a squash program at a local club, with instruction from a coach, and attending anywhere from once weekly to almost every day.

In the US, hundreds of middle schools and high schools have squash teams, with both boys and girls teams. These schools compete in the league format used by MISA. High school squash players and their parents almost unanimously feel that the squash team experience helped their college application, highlighting an extra-curricular activity that has documented physical, mental, social, and educational benefits.

Many of these players then go on to play for one of the hundreds of college varsity and club squash teams. The College Squash Association (CSA) says that many "…junior squash players underestimate their ability to get recruited to play squash in college or to have a coach show interest in them. If a player is enthusiastic about the game of squash, has the interest and the drive to improve their game, and is willing to commit time to a team, there is likely a spot for them on a college team in the CSA."