SquashWise

SquashWise Center – Coming Soon! Baltimore’s SquashWise is bringing exciting new life to the historic Greyhound bus terminal at 601 N. Howard Street—a beloved 1941 Streamline Moderne landmark. This innovative youth and community squash center is set to open its doors in mid-2025. The renovated space will feature six singles squash courts, dedicated fitness areas, three modern classrooms, and enhanced meeting and administrative spaces—all housed within the beautifully preserved historic structure. This transformative $14.9 million project, funded through state historic tax credits and enthusiastic community support, will dramatically expand SquashWise’s Youth Development Program, nearly quadrupling its student reach. The center will also introduce fresh community initiatives, including school field trips, sliding-scale memberships, adult squash leagues, tournaments, and free community clinics. The SquashWise Center promises to become a dynamic and welcoming hub for Baltimore City youth and families, celebrating education, community engagement, and historic preservation.

Mission Statement: SquashWise partners with Baltimore’s youth and families to advance equity in squash, education, and personal development opportunities. We are a dedicated agent of change, providing a place where students reach their academic, athletic, and life goals and where the squash community becomes more accessible and welcoming for all.

History: Founded in 2007, SquashWise began with just 14 students. They have grown to nearly 70 middle and high school students in their youth development program, an emerging group of alumni, and more than 300 youth and adults participating in school and community squash programs. They also have a tremendous building project in the works — the transformation of the historic Greyhound bus terminal in downtown Baltimore into a youth and community squash center, anticipated to open in mid-2025.

SquashWise was co-founded by a group of passionate squash players — Abby Markoe, Doug Hoffberger, Nancy Cushman, Peter Heffernan, and Charlie Wise. The organization greatly benefitted from their leadership along with early seed funding from the Squash and Education Alliance, operational support from Maryland Squash, and a generous facility donation from Meadow Mill Athletic Club.

Programs: SquashWise’s holistic youth development program prepares Baltimore City Public School (BCPS) students to succeed in school and in life through an innovative combination of educational enrichment and squash. As the only public school squash team in Baltimore, SquashWise plays in middle school, JV and Varsity matches against area private schools and in regional and national tournaments. Students also work with tutors, prepare for college and careers, and stay on top of their education as well-rounded student-athletes. Each year, 100% of their high school seniors graduate on-time. Of the class of 2024, 100% are college bound.

In addition, SquashWise offers a variety of youth and community programs, including PE clinics at BCPS schools, women’s and girls’ squash clinics, and community squash nights. Learn more about their current programs and ways to get involved on their website.