Armelle: Portland Community Squash Player
Portland Community Squash is where I go to practice and learn to play squash and how to become a pro someday. I got introduced to it when I was in Learning Works in 4th grade. In the beginning, I didn’t like it because of how bad I thought I was. But somehow I found myself back there every week. Portland Community Squash provides everything that I need. I get to practice two times a week. We have Learning Works kids that come over and they learn how to play squash. The staff members there really are helpful. They offer rides, talk to you about anything, help with homework, and are there for you until college. It wasn’t until the 6th grade spring season that I had my first practice at Portland Community Squash, and then later joined the Rally Portland team. Five years later, I have become a level four 9th grader and am winning match after match. I haven’t always been this good. In the beginning, I wouldn’t normally go to matches because of the level that I was in or how much better other people were.
It’s hard to put into words how much I care about squash and how it impacts me. The friends that I have made, the lessons I’ve learned. Squash transformed me into the person that I am today and I am grateful that Portland Community Squash did that. Being a part of the Rally Portland team has made me be a better teammate, player, friend, and human being. A phrase that has always been a part of me is “REP the shield” meaning to respect, effort, and positivity, which I take to heart. Squash to me didn’t mean winning games and earning points but is a new challenge every time I step onto the court.