Jacob Price ’27 plays the Loomis Chaffee School on December 9, 2023.
By Reinah Lee ’26
In the squash world, third-former Jacob Price ’27 stands out as a captivating player. This month, Price became the first Choate student to participate in the British Junior Squash Open (BJSO), the most prestigious international junior squash tournament.
Held at the University of Birmingham from January 3-7, 675 players from 49 nations competed in age divisions from U11 to U19. Price played nine matches during the tournament and came close to beating Egyptian player Philopater Saleh, who went on to win the U15 BJSO.
“The most enjoyable part was almost taking out the one seed on the full glass court,” said Price. His last match was an exhilarating five-set battle against Saleh. “It was really fun because I was able to play on the show court, which is the center of attention.”
To prepare for the tournament, Price trained at the largest squash facility in the country, the Arlen Specter Center, with the U.S. Junior Squash team from May 19-21, 2023. Price has been playing with his current teammates since they were only nine years old: “Once I got into playing tournaments, they’ve always been my friends,” he said.
Price began playing squash at age eight after being introduced to the sport at his local country club, the New Haven Lawn Club. He explained, “I just started playing because that’s what all the kids did [at the club].” Now, Price resides at the number three spot of the Boys’ U15 U.S. Junior Squash rankings.
At six foot, two inches tall, Price’s playing style involves a lot of volleying, a shot that is hit in the air before the ball hits the ground. “I’m a tall player, so I volley a lot. I volley, and I hit it hard,” he said.
Price is no stranger to high-level competition. In December 2022, Price competed in the 2022 U.S. Junior Open as an eighth-grader. There, he ranked second in his division and took home two titles: U15 Boys’ Doubles and U15 Mixed Doubles national championships. Price also won the German Junior Open and Canadian Junior Open at age 12.
Though it can be challenging to balance squash with his academic life, Price’s dedication, work ethic, and love for the sport triumphs. “I love squash because I can let out my day on the squash court. I have a bad day, play squash; good day, play squash.” He also appreciates the intellectual aspect of the game. “It makes you think. It’s like chess in shorts,” he said.
Chemistry teacher and Boys’ Varsity Squash Head Coach Mr. Will Morris noted Price’s contributions to the team. “[Price] is a really good sport, and he supports his teammates really well too. So he’s an awesome part of the program, and we’re really excited to have him,” Mr. Morris said.
