to developing DC into a squash powerhouse.
Ronny, who has recently moved to DC from Belgium, has been a fixture in the International Squash community for over 30 years. After training as a coach professionally in England, Vlassaks became the National Junior Coach for both the Netherlands and Belgium where he grew his passion for developing players. Vlassaks has traveled the world developing and expanding squash programs, training fellow coaches, and many of the current top Junior players, before landing in the United States as Squash On Fire’s Director of Squash. In addition to his role at Squash On Fire, Vlassaks continues to serve as the individual coach to some of the world’s top squash talent, including Simon Rösner (current World #5) and the Gilis sisters (ranked World #33 and #47), as well as to promote the game of squash as a member of the World Squash Federation Ambassadors Program.
As Director of Squash, Ronny will be developing and rolling out squash programming for all levels and ages, as well as creating a Professional Performance Academy to train national and international players, and prepare them for competitive tournaments.
Omar El-Melligy, a longtime squash player, has been coaching professionally for nearly 20 years. Most recently he coached at River Dale School, Brunswick School, Bronxville School and Pyramid Squash Club in New York. Prior to moving to the United States, Omar coached national and world champion players in Egypt and India. He has worked under several Egyptian National Team head coaches, honing his coaching techniques. He brings his love and knowledge of the sport to Squash on Fire.
Karan Malik is one of the top ranked Indian national players, and was a former U-17 junior national champion before moving to the United States. He recently graduated with a degree in Economics from Trinity College, where he was recruited to play for the Trinity Men’s Squash team. During his time at Trinity, Karan's team won 2 National Championships. Karan played as high as #1 on the ladder and, in his senior year, captained the team to their 15th National Title. He was also named to the All-American Team and All-Nescac Team twice. Karan spent a year working as the Assistant Coach at Lifetime Athletic Westchester where he worked with both juniors and adults to develop their squash games.
Pascal Lienard has been a part of the DC squash community for more than 20 years. He has trained with a wide range of players – from beginners to some of the world's top-ranked professionals. Pascal's natural athleticism and experience as a runner and swimmer shapes the way he approaches the game. Pascal plays, trains and coaches players to be disciplined and stick to the fundamentals.
He is recognized for his allegiance to the "T," volleys, beautiful lobs and endless stamina. His genuine love for squash gives him the excitement and energy to work with squash students of all abilities. If you have the chance, ask him about French food.
Jonathan Lam is a highly experienced squash professional and sports psychologist. Jonathan has been involved in the game of squash since he was ten years old. Before migrating to the U.S., he represented Malaysia on its national junior team and has competed in various international competitions. Jonathan was recruited to play varsity squash at Stony Brook University.
He holds a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and runs a full-time practice in addition to teaching squash. Jonathan's specialty areas in psychology include forensics and working with young adults going through life transitions.
Jonathan currently coaches at Squash on Fire in DC. Previously, he was the head squash professional at the Chevy Chase Athletic Club and the Tenley Sport and Health Club for many years. Jonathan won multiple Premier League titles while representing Chevy Chase. He was also the Girls' Varsity Squash coach at the Potomac School in McLean for several seasons.
In recent years, Jonathan has been focused on developing junior players, as well as teaching players who are brand new to the game.
Squash has played a large part in Margaret’s life. Hailing from Philadelphia, Gerety represented the U.S. junior women in the 1997 World Junior Championships before going on to play #1 at Harvard. A four-time, first-team All American, Gerety has since earned a place in Harvard’s Hall of Fame. Margaret is still active in the game. She was a member of the DC team that captured the U.S. Women’s Team Championships (the Howe Cup) at Squash On Fire and can regularly be found at our weekly Round Robins. Joining Squash On Fire in January 2018 as Executive Director, Margaret oversees our fantastic team as well as Squash On Fire’s daily operations and long-term strategy.
Anna Kimberley was a top Junior player in England, before being recruited by Trinity to play in the Women's Squash Team. During her squash career at Trinity, she won the National Championship title with the team her freshman year, and played as high as number 2 on the ladder. She graduated with a B.A in Psychology and Anthropology.
Since graduating she came to Squash On Fire to coach and to pursue her professional career. She is currently a top 100 player in the world PSA rankings. At Squash On Fire Anna, will focus on junior development and being a role model for our upcoming squash stars. Please feel free to ask her about training and fitness tips as well.
