Our Mission
We wrote this book with the mission to grow the sport by exposing kids to squash in a fun and exciting way while igniting a passion early on. We want Ready, Set, Squash! to be on EVERY bookshelf in schools, libraries and homes, alongside books on how to play tennis, basketball and soccer. We are extremely passionate about wanting our sport to be a mainstream sport and believe this book is the best way to help spread the word. Scroll down to meet the team!
How did Ready, Set, Squash! come about?
Ever since I started playing squash, I have recorded my thoughts in a small journal. After every lesson, match, clinic, and practice, I have returned to that journal to scribble down that day’s message, whether it was a few tips for playing a certain opponent or something I had learned that day. Before long, the brand-new journal had become worn out, the pages crumpled up and the covers shabby. The empty pages had been filled up with intricate diagrams, scrawled notes, and inspiring mantras.
After we had collected quite a few of these journals, a startling interrelation began to unfold before our eyes. We began to connect the dots between the lessons and tips Wael had taught me. We began to draw links between the bullet points and sketches, and soon, it all came together. That is what Ready, Set, Squash is: a compilation of the lessons I have learned during my squash journey.
Sonya Sasson
Sonya Sasson is a student at Stuyvesant High School in New York City. Her obsession with squash began when she was just 10 years old. She plays for Team USA’s junior squad and has achieved a high rank of #2 in her division. Currently, Sonya trains with Peter Nicol and was previously coached by Wael El Hindi. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring students both on and off court, playing piano, and writing.
Wael El Hindi
Wael El Hindi began squash at 13 and turned pro in 2000, reaching the podium at the World Junior Championships. In addition to dedication to developing as a squash player, Wael continued his studies and graduated the Arab Academy College with a degree in Business Administration. As a professional squash player, he was ranked in the top 10 for eight years and achieved his highest ranking at the #8 position. Now, he focuses on coaching and mentoring and brings the same dedication and talent to his job that once propelled him to success as a player.
Elena Critelli
Elena is an artist and musician who lives in New York City with her family and dog, Ruby. She has been drawing since she could hold a crayon and studying music since the age of six. Elena attends LaGuardia High School, where she plays viola in both the musical pit and senior symphonic orchestras. Also, she volunteers as a library assistant in the New York Public Library, as a tutor in her school, and as a violist in concerts for homebound seniors. In her free time, she likes to draw, read, listen to music, and win at board games.
