📖 The Legend of Nicol
It all began nine and a half years ago in Brooklyn as a passion project for our founders Jess + Peter. What started as weekend-only kids squash, slowly evolved into the opening of a full-service street-front squash facility in NYC and a multi-racket concept in New Jersey which includes Padel, Pickleball and Squash! Peter, who is an extremely passionate coach, continues to lead the coaching program, and Jess, whose main passion is people, runs the business side of things.
It’s their mission to get more people on court and playing squash!
Meet the Team
PETER NICOL
Co-Founder + Squash Director
Former World No.1 for 5 years, Peter has turned his passion from playing squash to coaching - first with juniors, and now also with dedicated adults. Peter opened Nicol Squash in Providence R.I., now PVD Squash, and played a major role in the development and construction of the Manhattan Community Squash Center, now Open Squash, where Nicol Squash operated its junior academy. Over the years it became apparent that Nicol Squash needed its own independent home, and here we are at 42nd St!
Peter has become especially passionate about working technically with players on a 1:1 basis, where he sees the most progression and can develop deep relationships. When not coaching, Peter is passionate about carving out time to spend with his wife, Jess, and son Bode, the loves of his life.
JESSICA NICOL
Co-Founder + CEO
Jess is our passionate business leader at Nicol Squash, overseeing operations, our team, partnerships and development. Jess lives the Nicol Squash vibe with her positive energy and is on a mission to spread the joy of connecting through sport and staying active.
Jess and Peter started Nicol Squash camps over 15 years ago, and now a full facility in New York City. The process has been filled with incredible experiences thanks to the supportive community that has been built along the way! Jess is excited to spread the joy of Nicol Squash in new locations, including Rumson, NJ Spring 2024.
When not at Nicol Squash, Jess is ideally either surfing or skiing with her boys Peter and Bode by her side.
JAMAL CALLENDER
Jr Squash Director
When Peter and Jess moved to NYC in 2013, Peter immediately saw a need for a weekend junior squash program that included all aspects of the game —conditioning, match play and mental strategy — the tools needed for junior players to compete with knowledge and strength. At the time, Poly Prep alum Jamal was coaching the Poly boys and girls squash teams. He, Peter + Jess formed the NCA weekend program at Poly, which grew from a handful of players to nearly 100. Jamal is loved not only by his peers, but he also brings so much enthusiasm, passion, and fun to his coaching that juniors of all levels are excited to be on court with him.
When not on court, Jamal is often watching squash, spending QT with friends and family ideally over Szechuan and IPA, and all the while kicking our Wordle butts.
CODY BLOUNT
Ops
Cody joined the team shortly after the opening our first street-front squash concept in NYC. He plays a crucial role in preserving our vibrant culture, adapting solutions for growth by fine-tuning strategies, enhancing branding, and ensuring communication resonates with our core values. From seamless onboarding to resolving client issues, Cody is dedicated to empowering growth for our team and community, fueling Nicol Squash's success. Cody also has a passion for R&B music and makes tunes of his own—check out his music here!