Squash Magic

By Maria McCall

The Santa Barbara Public Library Plaza glimmered with royal blue velvet tablecloths and lively energy for the Santa Barbara School of Squash (SBSOS) annual gala. Guests savored delicious fare from SB Courthouse Distillery while the entertaining and fun emcee Geoff Green drove a spirited paddle raise and live auction for over 150 attendees.

Since 2006, SBSOS has grown from six students to over 30, offering squash lessons and competitions, academics, mentoring, and community service, even while currently operating on just one YMCA squash court. Executive Director Robert Graham encourages students to maintain grades of “Bs or better,” fostering excellence both on and off the court.

Student speakers stole the spotlight: San Marcos High School senior Samuel Valencia called SBSOS his “second family,” while Dos Pueblos High School junior Daphne Miranda-González shared how SBSOS fueled her confidence to aim for Caltech. Volunteers were honored too with David Farber receiving warm recognition, and a gift bag of chocolates, for his after-school tutoring and “wicked” math skills.

Founders Mike Lewis and Robert Graham reminded guests of the program’s resilience and shared their exciting vision for a permanent squash center. Each year, I am impressed by the poise and confidence of every SBSOS student I meet, and that’s the Magic of Squash! 

SBSOS supporters included Lynne Tahmisian, Cliff Wyatt, Peter Hilf, Houghton Hyatt, Geof and Laura Wyatt, Joan and Jerry Rocco, and Mark Flores.