Meet The Team

Meet Aria

ARIA FAZELIMANESH, Owner and Executive Director

aria@squashacademy.la

Aria has been playing and coaching professional, collegiate, and amateur squash for nearly 20 years.

He was introduced to squash by his father when he was only seven years old, and the sport quickly became a passion. He joined the Iranian Junior National Team and played in tournaments around the world, eventually bringing home the first international medal in the history of Iranian Squash. At age fifteen his family moved to the US, where he quickly became the US Junior National Champion, and went undefeated on his high school team. 

He was recruited by the University of Rochester, and in his junior year the Men's Varsity Squash team reached the finals of the Division I National Championship. The team was ranked #1 in the country in the 2016-17 season and were National Championship Finalists in the 2015-16 season for the first time in the history of Rochester squash.

Now the Executive Director and Owner at LA Squash Academy, Aria hopes to expose others to all squash has to offer. As a coach, Aria holds US Squash Level 1, 2 and 3 coaching certification and works with the highest nationally ranked junior players in the region.

Achievements

01.
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First ever Iranian to win an International Junior Medal at an international tournament.

02.
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National Junior Champion in all age divisions in the US and Iran.

03.
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Undefeated in 2017 College National Championship Finals. 2016 College Team Nationals Finalist.

Meet Tom

Tom Williams, Head Squash professional

tom@squashacademy.la

Tom played junior squash in Scotland, before moving to Los Angeles in 2012. He joined the coaching staff at LA Squash academy in 2021 and has largely focused on growing the amazing game of squash and introducing it to new players of all ages, including three local high school programs. Over the years he has coached a number of Southern California’s top junior players, as well as directing over 20 junior and adult tournaments and league events. Tom is a certified US Squash Level 1 coach, and in his lessons combines the fundamentals of technique, footwork and fitness-training whilst always emphasizing that squash is not only (according to Forbes Magazine) the healthiest sport in the world, but also the most fun!

Meet Alex

Alex reynolds, squash professional

alex@squashacademy.la

Alex originally is from Pittsburgh, and picked up squash as a toddler from his dad who played recreationally. He played junior squash tournaments for fun, ultimately reaching top 10 rankings in BU17 and BU19. Some of Alex’s squash achievements include:

• Highest achievement: Italian Junior Open BU17 Winner

• Began coaching career at Pittsburgh Golf Club in 2013

• Commenced his LA squash coaching career in 2016 at Arroyo Seco, helping grow the region’s junior/adult program

• Transitioned to senior coach at LA Squash Academy in June 2021

Alex is a US Squash Level 1 Certified Coach, and SoCal Junior Squash League Commissioner.

Meet Brooks

brooks russell, squash professional

brooks@squashacademy.la

Brooks has been coaching squash at the highest level of national competition since 2007. He began his coaching career at the Heights Casino in Brooklyn, NY, one of the largest and most successful junior programs in the country. In the many years spent coaching there, the program saw an abundance of success and positive growth. Brooks also coached in Philadelphia at the Baldwin School under head pro Karen Kronemeyer, with whom he helped coach the school team to #3 in the nation.
In his playing career, Brooks was a top American junior, ranking as high as #8 in the country in the Boys U19 division. He went on to play at the University of Pennsylvania, helping the team reach a top 5 finish during his freshman year.
Brooks has worked with juniors and adults of any and all skill levels, and prides himself on providing a fun, active and informative time on the court for all!

Meet Shiko

Shiko Zaki, squash professional

shiko@squashacademy.la

Shiko was born and raised in Egypt, where he acquired extensive squash coaching experience for the past 12 years. He holds a coaching certificate from the Egyptian Squash Federation and a Match Referee certificate from the Egyptian Squash Association. After several years of experience as an elite player with the Air Defense House in Egypt, Shiko transitioned to a coaching role. His impressive resume includes head coaching positions at numerous squash clubs, squash camp management skills, and experience working with the Egyptian national fitness coach, Naser Abd el Mnam. Furthermore, Shiko has worked and trained alongside several former professional squash players, including Captain Ashraf Hanafy of the renowned Black Ball Sporting Club. Several students that trained with Shiko quickly became top 10 players in their respective age divisions. Shiko is excited to bring his expertise and passion for squash to LA Squash Academy.

Meet Emad

Emad Motamedirad, squash professional

emad@squashacademy.la

Emad was first introduced to squash when he was just 9 years old. From there, his skills rapidly developed as a junior player in Iran. He joined the rigorous Iranian Junior national team before he started playing squash on the professional circuit. When Emad transitioned to coaching squash in 2015, his extensive playing experience secured his reputation as the best squash coach in his city. In addition to coaching, he created his own team of elite players in Mashhad. Under Emad’s leadership and participation playing for the league, his team was a reigning champion for 5 continuous years. Emad is a certified World Level I coach, with experience coaching adults and children of all different levels. Emad joined the coaching staff at LA Squash academy in 2022, and his goal is to always provide enjoyable, active, and technical sessions.

Meet Si Yi

Si Yi Ma, Squash professional

siyima00@gmail.com

Born and raised in Malaysia, she brings over 15 years of playing experience and recently graduated from Stanford University, where she played as the No.1 player on the team. She combines elite-level playing experience with a fresh perspective on the game.

In addition to her competitive background, Si Yi is also a WSF Level 2 certified coach. She has worked athletes across all levels, focusing on developing their skills and techniques.