In Memoriam: Bob Hanscom

in memory of Bob Hanscom, Founder and Director Emeritus

LA Squash Academy dedicates this page to Robert “Bob” Hanscom, the “Godfather of Southern California Squash,” who first introduced squash to our South Pasadena location.

Born and brought up in New England, Bob had an extensive athletic career prior to entering the professional squash world. Following his nine-year junior athletic career as a figure skater, Bob earned an advanced degree in biomechanical analysis and served as owner and director of the North Shore School of Gymnastics in Massachusetts.

Later he served as Executive Director of the American Gold elite gymnastic training center in Connecticut. He was also a member of the United States Elite Gymnastic Coaches Association, primarily involved with the selection process of potential elite gymnasts. During this time, Bob competed in squash-league competition in the Boston area – and in 1984 earned his World Professional Squash Association (WPSA) teaching certification.

In 1986, Bob, wanting to find his “place in the sun,” came west and created the teaching professional’s job at the University Club of Los Angeles, which he held for seven years. In 1993 Bob became the teaching professional at the prestigious Los Angeles Athletic Club, overseeing their program and building the community to over 150 players, a position he held for 15 years. He was also a national champion in the game of squash: he won the U.S. 55+ in 1993 and was regularly ranked No.1 in the country in his age-group. 

Beyond his personal accomplishments, Bob Hanscom held a deep passion for introducing others to the sport of squash. He gave first lessons to thousands of adults and children. Bob was certified at the highest (level 1) squash coach level by the WPSA. Bob was also honored with the United States Olympic Committee’s Developmental Coach of the Year Award, and was named one of America’s top 50 most intriguing, interesting and influential people in squash. He coached the game of squash for over 35 years.

Bob’s love for squash was so strong that he came out of a short-lived retirement to introduce a new generation of players to the game at the Arroyo Seco Racquet Club in South Pasadena. Bob’s advocacy and fundraising facilitated the first racquetball-to-squash court conversion at the facility. Bob single-handedly started the boys and girls junior program (coaching and accompanying them to tournaments), as well as offering junior and adult private, semi-private and group lessons. 

Bob Hanscom leaves an unmatched legacy of increased access to the game of squash in Southern California. Thanks to the momentum that Bob initiated, our South Pasadena location now boasts five squash courts and a growing community of 150+ players.