LANCASTER, Pa. — The 2024 Hamilton Open took place at Franklin & Marshall College from October 14 to 18 but on Wednesday the focus shifted from some of the best squash players in the world to the youth in the Lancaster community.
The Hamilton Open, the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Challenger Tour and Franklin & Marshall College teamed up to support Squash Aces, a program the Lancaster County school has been running for more than 15 years and donated $15,000 to the program through the funds raised through the tournament.
"It's the most gratifying thing we can do," said King Knox, co-chairman of the Hamilton Open. "See our work and generating contributions from squash and translating that to advantages for the recipients whether that be scholarships or Squash Aces. It's a dual purpose between athletics and academics. It's incredible."
The Squash Aces program partners with Franklin & Marshall Squash athletes as mentors with students from Reynolds Middle School and McCaskey High School to not only introduce them to squash but also to provide them with academic support to get to graduation and possible post-secondary education.
Destiny Ponce was introduced to squash in the sixth grade through Squash Aces which is where she found her love for the sport and helped her find her path to Franklin & Marshall College.
"Truthfully I had no idea what this was until I got into Squash Aces. Back then I had an idea I would be on the women's team," said Ponce. "I remember my coach saying I want one of my aces to be on my team. I never knew that would be me in the future."
Ponce graduated through the program and is now a junior on the Franklin & Marshall College Squash team. She says she wouldn't be where she is today without Squash Aces.
"It helped me grow [to] who I am, and it's why I am where I'm at," said Ponce. "I could not imagine college in my future when I was younger. This program helped me stay focused and showed me what was out there for myself."
She also urges students in the school district of Lancaster to take advantage of the amazing program that has done so much for her.
"Take the chance and grow into it because not only is it a sport, you create family afterward," said Ponce. "You meet people who support you after you graduate. [The program] is about who you are and the uniqueness each student brings and that's what is important when you leave here."
For those interested in the Squash Aces program, more information can be found on their website.
