Starting in 2017, a friend of the game has officially started the tournament with the first ball hit on court. In recognition of Community Day, the 2023 U.S. Open Squash Championships presented by Truist were launched when H. Chase Lenfest took the ceremonial first swing.
Lenfest has been a dynamic and generous leader in creating better opportunities for the Philadelphia community through the sport of squash. The Lenfest Center in North Philadelphia is home to SquashSmarts who for more than 20 years has been providing deep academic, athletic and life skills support fulfilling their mission to give Philadelphia public school children their best shot. Chase has expanded his vision by founding North 10 dedicated to improving life outcomes for the residents of Hunting Park and East Tioga in in North Philadelphia.
He is a lifelong squash player starting at the age of 10 and is a top competitive player today. With his appreciation for competitive excellence, Chase has been a key supporter of Team USA and their aspirations of becoming the best in the world.
Shortly after hitting the tournament’s opening rally with reigning U.S. Champion Andrew Douglas, the Arlen Specter US Squash Center unveiled the H. Chase Lenfest Stables: The Home of Team USA Squash.
