Seven Hills Adds Squash Facility, Largest in Cincinnati

The Seven Hills School opened the largest squash facility for a high school in the Cincinnati area with a dedication ceremony on Tuesday, March 12.

The Wyant Family Squash Center in Stoehr Gym on the Hillsdale Campus was made possible by a small group of generous donors, including alumni Peg and Jack Wyant, said Director of Development Margo Kirstein.

Seven Hills began offering squash as an Upper School girls winter sport during the 2021-22 school year, fueled by an interested from students.

“This idea came from a student, it was student-led. That is a big thing about what this school is all about. Students here do a ton of great things,” said Seven Hills Athletic Director Scott Willard.

The squash program has grown in popularity and success since then. The program added a boys team during the 2022-23 season and expanded into the Middle School for the 2023-24 season. Both the girls and boys varsity teams competed at the U.S. High School Squash Championships in Philadelphia in February. Thanks to Seven Hills’ no-cut athletic programs, there were six squash teams across the Middle and Upper School for the 2023-24 winter sports season.

“It’s been really exciting to have a team in high school and continue to play in college. Thank you to everyone who donated; without you, this would really not have been possible. It was a dream my freshman year for me and my sister, Aanya, who helped make it happen along with Mr. Willard. So, thank you for helping her and thank you for helping us,” said senior and team captain Aanvi Anand at the dedication.

The Wyant Family Squash Center has four squash courts and a viewing area for spectators. In addition to being the home courts for the squash teams, squash is being incorporated into the Seven Hills physical education curriculum.

“Opening these courts today allows us to launch our own full-fledged squash program. We really want to provide an opportunity to introduce the game to all our students. Our hope is to spark an interest in a game our students can play throughout their adult lives and have them be part of a community,” Head of School Chris Garten said at the dedication ceremony.

A Collegiate Wall was included in the facility to honor the more than 20 Seven Hills alums who went on to play squash in college before Seven Hills offered it as a sport. Since the program began, three students, including Aanvi Anand and her older sister Aanya Anand of the Class of 2022, have signed or gone on to play squash at the collegiate level.

Willard hopes Seven Hills’ commitment to squash helps grow middle and high school squash in the area.

“There are great partnerships, and there is great squash in Cincinnati. Our goal here is to champion that effort to grow squash in the area and have more people to play in town. We also hope to set a standard in the area for squash programs,” Willard said.