SBAC SQUASH SBAC has about 200 squash players including male and female, young and old, and every level of ability. There are beginners just starting out, some tennis and racquetball converts, some players with college experience, some with experience of playing in other countries, as well as some of the top players in Southern California.
SBAC's Head Squash Professionals Debbie Brown and Orla O'Doherty
oversee the squash program assisted by Tom Fuhrmann. Debbie is a three time national champion in the over 35 and over 40 age groups. Orla is a three time national champion in the over 30 and over 35 age's groups, and last year became the 2009 US National Champion in the women's 5.5 skill level event. Debbie has been coaching at SBAC for 16 years and continues to be competitive in both skill level and age group national championships. Orla has been coaching in the United States for 18 years and is a former professional player, having reached a high world ranking of number 69. Both pros are US Squash Association Level 2 coaches. Tom has transitioned from racquetball, where he was a highly ranked player and accomplished coach. He is currently working on getting his squash coaching certifications.
Many players show up at the more popular times such as lunchtime and after work looking for pick-up games. Most members play in the monthly leagues, where you get to play four other players of your level during the month, at times that suit your schedule and theirs. League winners can qualify each month for a free pizza from the league sponsor, Pizza Mizza, and the top three scorers each quarter win a $75 restaurant gift certificate from the local restaurant-of-the-month. About 100 people play in these leagues. There is also a Ladies Ladder and a Lunchtime Ladder that are changed each month. Every match played in these ladders gets each player an entry into a quarterly drawing for a $75 restaurant gift certificate from a local restaurant. Courts may be reserved up to one week in advance by contacting the Front Desk. You are encouraged to reserve courts to avoid disappointment, but also asked to cancel them if you are not going to use them. Rental racquets are available at the Front Desk for a $5 fee. We also strongly encourage all players to wear eye protection on court at all times.
Court 5 is blocked off from 5pm to 7.30pm every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday for Men's Challenge Nights. Intermediate Night is on Mondays for players rated from 3.25 to 4.0. Beginner/Intermediate Night is on Tuesdays for players rated below 3.5. Advanced Night is on Thursdays for players rated about 4.75. A sign up sheet and rules are attached to a clipboard and hung by court 6. Players are asked to stick to the night for their level and keep the court free at other times for the appropriate players. Please check with Debbie or Orla if you are unsure of your "rating" or for more information as to how this system works.
Court 2 is a full time Coaching Court and can never be reserved. It is, however, a Challenge Court for all levels of play when no lesson is being given. There is a sign-up sheet posted on the Squash Notice Board right outside Court 2. SquashFit is the latest craze among our squash players and is a fast-paced, non-stop hour of squash specific fitness. Classes take place every day and are limited to 4 people per class at a cost of $15 per person. Please click here: for detailed information of the classes.
Debbie and Orla run a Wednesday Ladies Night on courts 4 and 5 between 6.15pm and 7.00pm. There is no limit on how many ladies can participate. This clinic is geared more towards beginner level, and is a great way for ladies to get involved in the game. Junior Squash is very popular, with the club offering a free junior squash membership to children of members who are under 14 years of age, and a discounted membership for under 18s. Several schools use the club's courts at quiet times, and courts 4 and 5 are blocked off on Saturday mornings for a junior clinic between 10am and 11am. This is usually taught by Debbie Brown, for which there is a $10 charge. You must sign up be email in advance for this clinic. Orla O'Doherty and Debbie Brown both give private squash lessons. Monday through Friday from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm, and on Saturdays between 9.00 am and 12.00 pm.
Debbie and Orla 60 minute lessons - $60, 45 minute lesson - $55, 30 minute lesson - $40. They also offer semi-private and group lessons at a reduced rate. Tom Fuhrmann is available for reduced cost lessons if Debbie and Orla are fully booked or unavailable.
Pro Shop items are available in the squash office and can be bought through the club. We now have three lines of racquets - Head, Harrow, and Black Knight - and have demo racquets available for you to try. We also carry Hi-Tek and Harrow squash shoes, as well as a variety of squash bags and socks. Grips, balls and eyewear are available at the front desk.
Please feel free to contact Orla O'Doherty or Debbie Brown at (805) 966-6147x 236 or oodoherty@wcaclubs.com / dbrown@wcaclubs.com with any questions or suggestions you have regarding the courts or the squash program.
Coming soon: CALENDAR OF EVENTS USSQUASH.COM SquashFit Video footage and photos.
SBAC's Head Squash Professionals Debbie Brown and Orla O'Doherty
oversee the squash program assisted by Tom Fuhrmann. Debbie is a three time national champion in the over 35 and over 40 age groups. Orla is a three time national champion in the over 30 and over 35 age's groups, and last year became the 2009 US National Champion in the women's 5.5 skill level event. Debbie has been coaching at SBAC for 16 years and continues to be competitive in both skill level and age group national championships. Orla has been coaching in the United States for 18 years and is a former professional player, having reached a high world ranking of number 69. Both pros are US Squash Association Level 2 coaches. Tom has transitioned from racquetball, where he was a highly ranked player and accomplished coach. He is currently working on getting his squash coaching certifications.