SquashBusters

Founded in 1996 by former squash professional Greg Zaff, SquashBusters set out to connect two seemingly different worlds by introducing the sport of squash to young people in urban public schools. By connecting these worlds, SquashBusters would provide young people with a bridge to college success, broaden their access to opportunities, and improve their health and fitness. The program launched with 24 students from Cambridge and Roxbury, with practices taking place at the Boston YMCA, the Harvard Club, and Harvard University for its first seven years.

In 2003, SquashBusters partnered with Northeastern University to build a youth center on its campus, allowing the organization to increase enrollment and introduce a high school component. SquashBusters expanded to Lawrence in 2012 and Providence, Rhode Island, in 2017. More than twenty years later, it has developed a replicable model for changing the lives of young people. Urban squash programs now operate in more than 20 cities worldwide, collectively serving 2,500 young people with the guidance of the Squash and Education Alliance.

Rodney Galvao

A native of Dorchester, Rodney joined SquashBusters at the age of 12, initially at the urging of his mother, and he immediately saw the value of a community that provided not just sports instruction, but also academic support, community service opportunities, and mentoring.

Galvao’s professional tenure with SquashBusters began 10 years ago in 2014 when he joined the organization as a squash coach in Boston, quickly becoming a leader and mentor to both students and peers on staff. In 2017, he moved to Providence, RI as part of the founding leadership team at SQB’s expansion program and served as Program and Co-Executive Director for six years. In mid-2023, Galvao became Senior Development Officer, a position that included a seat on the organization’s Senior Leadership Team. His new role of CEO is the culmination of all he has learned and all he has accomplished in his two decades at SQB.