How does the Team USA sweep at this year’s Pan American games set up Team USA for a successful season?
It was an incredible achievement for the men to defeat Colombia, a world top-4 team, truly unbelievable. Karim and I focused on getting the team into the right mindset, helping them believe they could win and fostering the proper team spirit, support and dynamics so everyone developed a winning mentality. The players genuinely played for each other, which was fantastic to witness. The same approach worked with the women’s team. This was our B squad, and their victory was amazing. We have an exceptional pipeline of female players developing as well, which is tremendously exciting for the future of the program. Our younger players will see these results and I know it will inspire them.
How are you planning on measuring success during your second year with Team USA?
I’m planning on measuring success in several areas:
- High Performance Resource Team (HPRT)
This was something I felt was crucial, and I consulted with several former U.S. professionals who have been part of our program. Our goal is to create the optimal environment here at the Specter Center, but we also recognize that being based in Philadelphia may not suit every player’s needs or circumstances. What matters most is that our players excel, and we have clear evidence of this working with athletes like Olivia Weaver and Amanda Sobhy, who have their own support teams that work effectively for them. Through the High Performance Resource Team (HPRT) program we have established, we can provide essential resources to transitional players at various stages including new pros, those currently in college, players finishing their collegiate careers, athletes based elsewhere in the US, or even those training overseas. The key is flexibility and understanding that different players thrive in different environments while still maintaining connection to the national program. We will also launch mini-National Squads at the Specter Center in 2026 which is something we haven’t done and will include HPRT involvement.
- Performance Metrics
Performance metrics include consistent improvement in world rankings across both men’s and women’s teams, wins against higher-ranked nations (such as our victory over Colombia in the Pan American games) and having strong showings at major international tournaments and championships.
- Development Indicators
This is the strongest pipeline of players I have seen in the past eight plus years. Working with our emerging talent through the continued growth of our player pathway with individual player progression and breakthrough performances.
- Team Culture
We’re working to build a sustainable training culture and bring more NSA international players to the Specter Center, as we create a team charter and code and maintain the winning mindset and team-first mentality we’ve established.
- Long-term Goals
Long-term, we’re establishing Team USA as a consistent top-tier nation in international competitions, creating a program that develops world-class players year after year and setting the foundation for sustained success.
Ultimately, success isn’t just about individual results, it’s about building a program and culture that elevates everyone involved and positions Team USA for long-term excellence on the world stage.
Is there any player you hope will make an impact on the PSA tour this season?
For our men’s program, we have some talented athletes who are developing the physical and mental game needed to compete at the highest level. The victory over Colombia showed me that our players have the ability to rise to the occasion against world-class opposition.
On the women’s side, I’m particularly optimistic given the strength of our pipeline. Beyond our established Top 30 players, we have emerging talent coming through who are showing tremendous promise. What’s encouraging is that some of our college players are playing world Top 50 level. We also have some very good young players who are performing exceptionally well in PSA, which suggests we are strong for the World Junior Championships for the next few years.
The key is ensuring these players get the right balance of development, competition experience and support, whether that’s here at the Specter Center or through our flexible HPRT program that allows them to train in environments that suit them best. I believe we’ll see several breakthrough performances in the coming years as these players continue to develop and gain confidence on the international stage.
What player are you hoping will grow the most this year?
Rather than singling out one specific player, I’m excited about the growth potential across several areas of our program. I’m particularly interested in seeing how our new and transitional players develop, those who are new to professional squash, those in college, those in their final year of college…These athletes are at a crucial stage where the right support and training environment can make a transformative difference. Through our HPRT program and new squads, we’re able to provide them with resources that can accelerate their development significantly.
How do you think the top U.S. women will challenge the world’s best this season?
I’m genuinely optimistic about how our top American women will compete against the world’s best this season. We have several factors working in our favor. First, Olivia Weaver has been pushing the Top 3 all last season and was very close to reaching the final of the World Championships; if she can stay healthy this season, she has a great chance of breaking the Top 3. Amanda Sobhy has shown even after her injuries she can compete and beat anyone on her day and being back in the Top 10 will give her a lot of confidence. It’s great to see Sabrina Sobhy back after being out for the past year with a wrist injury and Marina Stefanoni take on her second year on tour. Both players are capable of breaking the top 16 this season or playing at that level.
What’s particularly encouraging is the depth we’re developing. Our recent team performances, including our B team’s exceptional results, show that we have multiple players capable of stepping up. This depth creates a competitive environment within our own program that pushes everyone to raise their level, especially with LA28 on the horizon.
What major PSA tour events are you looking forward to most?
There are several major PSA tour events I’m particularly excited about this season, but the U.S. Open for me will be amazing; the semi-finals and final matches will be streamed live on Peacock and the draws feature record-breaking prize money.
The World Championships will obviously be a major focus. I’m also looking forward to the home tournaments, particularly events like the Tournament of Champions in New York. Playing in front of American crowds gives our players an extra boost, and it’s a great opportunity to showcase the progress we’ve made. These domestic events can be breakthrough moments for emerging players.
I’m also excited about trying to create smaller US Squash/PSA Tour events at the Specter Center, events ranging from $3K to $9K where our younger players can cut their teeth amongst experienced tour players.
