Community
-
Announcements EventsSquash and Serenity: An Unforgettable Weekend Getaway at a Connecticut Horse Farm
Open Squash members, get ready for an extraordinary weekend! Richard von Hirschberg, a lifelong squash enthusiast, is opening his stunning 96-acre horse farm in Connecticut for a two-day squash tournament on May 16th and 17th.
Read more -
Stories Announcements Touring ProsVictor Crouin: From Summer Camps to Olympic Dreams, Powered by Passion and Smart Play
French squash star and Open Squash Ambassador Victor Crouin joined us via Zoom recently from his training base in France to chat squash
Read more -
Stories Women & GirlsFrom Brazilian Champion to NYC Squash and Fitness Coach: Thaisa Serafini's Squash Journey
In our latest Boast About It interview we dive into the inspiring story of Thaisa Serafini, a powerhouse in the squash world. With over 23 years of experience, nine Brazilian National Championship titles, and a passion for fitness and coaching, Thaisa brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as Assistant Coach and Head of Fitness at Open Squash.Thaisa shared her journey, starting from her early days in Brazil. "I started when I was 10 years old," she recalls. Interestingly, she also played a bit of padel, but woul ultimately "choose squash, of course." Her ambition was clear from a young age: "When I was a little kid, I was already like, ‘I want to be like a professional player.’"Thaisa's path wasn't typical. While many aspiring pros focus on junior tournaments, Thaisa found herself competing in adult tournaments at a very young age. "I was 11," she says. "I remember I played like one of my first tournaments I played against this lady and I could not return the serve. It was a disaster, of course. And then I was crying. But here I am, I'm survived." This experience, though challenging, shaped her resilience. "I didn't play many juniors. I started playing professional when I was 15," she explains.Despite not having extensive junior tournament experience, Thaisa went on to dominate the Brazilian squash scene, winning nine consecutive Brazilian national titles as an adult. Later in her career, Thaisa joined the PSA tour, but a bit later than some, at 24. She remembers her first PSA tournament in Canada vividly. "Oh my God, I lost! I lost in my first round." Despite the initial setback, she persevered. "I played like three or four tournaments. All like small tournaments, like 5K, 10K." To support her career, she even took a part-time job. "I said, oh, if I need to get a part-time job, I will do it, because all I want is to play in the circuit." Eventually, she won tournaments in Argentina, Ecuador, and Brazil.Transitioning from professional player to coach wasn't an easy decision. "That's a very hard decision to make," Thaisa admits. “I was resisting coaching because always my first goal was to be a professional player and to get to be as best as I can," she said. But the pandemic and an ankle injury ultimately led her to make the shift. "I had a little injury that started to bother me a lot,” she said. “I wasn't really able to keep up the training.”Now at Open Squash, Thaisa is passionate about fitness and its importance in squash. "How long do you want to be playing squash?" she asks rhetorically. "’Til I'm locked in a coffin!" She emphasizes that fitness "will help you to maintain your body, right? To prevent injuries." For those starting squash, she advises, "I think you definitely should add fitness because it will to teach you how to avoid injury. For example the warm-up, mobility, stretching, all those things matter." For regular players, Thaisa recommends at least two complementary physical training sessions a week, focusing on "a circuit" with "mobility exercises, and then they cardio, and then usually strength exercises like squats and lunges."Thaisa is also dedicated to promoting the women's game. "I think Open Squash is doing a really great job of promoting the women’s game," she says. She encourages women: "Don't get scared!"Thaisa's journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the love of squash. Her experience and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the squash community. Thanks for sharing your story with us, Thaisa! You can watch the video version of this interview here.
Read more
Resilience and Passion: Adel Sammons' Squash Story
Stories
Women & Girls
Boast About It - YouTube
Open Squash's Best Ever Medal Haul in the New York Squash League
Stories
Events
In Case You Missed It: Coach Josh Easdon on his Hashim Khan Documentary
Stories
Events
Doug Garr: From Wrestling Mats to Bumping Elbows on the Squash Court
Recapping the 2025 High School Nationals
Stories
Women & Girls
Growing the Game: 20 years at US Squash with Kevin Klipstein
Boast About It - YouTube
Stories
“Come Out and Play” — LGBTQ+ Round Robin at Open Squash
Stories
Events
Celebrating The Power and Passion of Women in Squash
Stories
Women & Girls
Events
Best of Luck At The Dublin Masters!
Stories
Never Give Up: My Journey Rehabbing an Injury and Returning to Squash
Stories
Stories
Events
18 Dec 2024
The 2024 New York Open Tournament at Open Squash
Open Squash FiDi came alive in December for the New York Open, where over 150 players competed in thrilling matches, from local amateurs to pro-level showdowns, celebrating the vibrant squash community.
Read More
Announcements
Events
18 Dec 2024
Open Squash Partners with College Squash Association for 2025 CSA Individuals Championships
Open Squash’s FiDi location is set to kick off the New Year with an electrifying event, partnering with the College Squash Association (CSA) to host the early rounds of the 2025 CSA Individual Championships.
Read More
Events
29 Nov 2024
Join Us for Squash This Thanksgiving!
As the leaves turn and Thanksgiving approaches, there's a unique way to celebrate in NYC: skip the crowds and join the squash community at our Bryant Park location!
Read More
Events
5 Nov 2024
Open Squash Kick-Starts the 2024-25' Season with a Bang
We kicked off our Adult Season of competition with the Season Opener!
Read More
Events
Stories
24 Oct 2024
SQUASH FOR ALL!
Raising Funds for Our Junior Scholarship Program
Read More
Events
Stories
Touring Pros
15 Oct 2024
The Inaugural Open Squash Classic Tournament Brings the Drama in New York
Open Squash players witnessed thrilling upsets and world-class performances at the inaugural Open Squash Classic, where rising stars like Mohamed Zakaria and Ka Yi Lee shook up the competition.
Read More
Women & Girls
Events
2 Oct 2024
Women Squash Players: Come Join Us At The Howe Cup
The Howe Cup—the U.S.’ largest squash event for women—is approaching in Philadelphia on the November 8-10!
Read More
Stories
Events
11 Sep 2024
Join The World Masters Squash Movement!
A large contingent of New York’s squash players went to Amsterdam this August to play in the World Masters Squash tournament and we’d love you to join us next year.
Read More
Stories
Events
12 Aug 2024
Tickets On Sale Now For The Open Squash Classic, October 6-10
Inaugural Bronze PSA Tournament Will Take Place in New York City in the Run-Up to the U.S. Open in Philadelphia
Read More
Subscribe
Sign up to receive updates on latest offers, events and news from the world of squash.
Don’t worry, you can back out anytime.
Subscribe
