NYC: A True Squash Hub In January

January in New York: Squash Takes Center Stage

January has always been one of my favorite months on the squash calendar.

Since moving to New York in 2010, I’ve been a regular spectator — and occasional volunteer — at the Tournament of Champions at Grand Central Terminal. Few events in world sport can match it: the best players on the planet, the glass court, and one of the most iconic venues imaginable. Squash doesn’t just visit Grand Central — it owns it.

But this January feels different. New York isn’t just hosting squash anymore — it’s becoming one of the sport’s true hubs.

College Squash Takes Manhattan

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From January 23–27, the College National Individual Championships return to New York for the second year running, hosted at Open Squash FiDi. This event crowns the top individual college players in the US, and the field is stacked. Salman Khalil (Penn), last year’s men’s champion and now world No. 78, returns to defend his title whilst Malak Khafagy, currently ranked world No. 20, will be the clear favorite on the women’s side.

And the best part?

The semi-finals and finals on January 26 and 27 will be played on the TOC glass court at Grand Central — a dream stage for college squash and a powerful statement about where the game is headed.

The National Squash League Comes to Grand Central

Making its glass-court debut on January 29, the National Squash League (NSL) brings a high-energy exhibition match between local rivals The Greenwich Panthers and The New York Knights.

Founded by Spencer Lovejoy and Timmy Brownell, the NSL’s fast-paced, team-based format has injected fresh excitement into the US squash scene — and now it takes center stage during TOC week.

Team lineups will be finalized after the early January draft, but with so many of the world’s best already in town, expect fireworks.

On a personal note, this one means a lot to me: it will be my first opportunity to referee at Grand Central — a genuine pinch-me moment.

Outdoor Squash, New York Style

And then the main event!

On January 28, the legendary Maspeth Welding Winter Classic returns — this time on the Steel Court in Queens. Yes, outdoors. In January. In New York.

And somehow, the lineup just keeps getting better:

• Timmy Brownell – World 27, US 1, and a regular at the Steel Court, and one of the finest executors of the “Philly-boast”.

• Matias Knudsen – World 56 – known for his wide variety of trick shots.

• Marina Stefanini – World 23 – member of Team USA, no stranger to the Steel Court.

• Tinne Gilis – World 8 – from Belgium, a top 10 player for the past 5 years.

Singles, doubles, exhibitions, competitions, and even the chance to hit with the pros — it’s part tournament, part block party, and entirely unforgettable.

My advice?

Ignore the weather. There will be heaters. There will be hot cocoa. And there will be squash played at the highest level in one of the city’s most unique settings.

A City Embracing the Game

From Grand Central to FiDi to Queens, January shows just how deeply squash is embedding itself into New York’s sporting culture. Elite professionals, college stars, innovative leagues, and grassroots energy — all in one month.

If you care about squash, there’s no better place to be this January than New York City.

Come out and play!