Owen Butler

Executive Director

Owen Butler joined the First State Squash family in the Summer of 2019 as the organization’s Executive Director. Owen came to FSS after coaching St. Lawrence University’s Men’s and Women’s squash programs and completing his Masters of Education. Before attending St. Lawrence, Owen worked for 4 years at Squash Haven, New Haven’s urban squash chapter, as their Director of Squash and Operations. Owen is a native of Toronto, Ontario and a graduate of Cornell University, where he majored in Natural Resources. At Cornell, Owen was an integral member of the University’s varsity squash program and a captain his senior year. Owen brings to First State Squash a strong passion for youth development and providing students with access to meaningful academic and athletic opportunities.

Nathania Francois

Director of College and Career

Nathania Francois joins the First State Squash Team as the first Director of College and Career. Nathania was born in St. Lucia and raised in Massachusetts. She has nine years of experience in higher education and is passionate about serving and supporting students through college. Nathania is a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor's in Social Work and a Master's in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Salem State University. With experience in college admission and college counseling, her true passion lies in access work. Leading with a cultural competency lens, Nathania has made it her mission to create safe spaces that elevate students in all aspects of their lives and hopes to continue that mission at First State Squash.

Makyla Kelley

Squash Director

Makyla Kelley joined the First State Squash Team in the Fall 2022 from Chicago, Illinois. Makyla is a MetroSquash alum. Makyla graduated from St. Lawrence University in the Spring of 2022. At St. Lawrence University she studied Sociology and minored in Sports Studies & Exercise Science and Art/Art History. At St. Lawrence University, Makyla played in the top 3 on the Women’s varsity squash team and was captain for 2 years. Some of Makyla’s achievements at St. Lawrence University included Rookie of the Year, All Liberty League, Liberty League Honor Roll, and CSA Scholar-Athlete Honoree. Makyla is passionate about squash and she hopes to create different opportunities for students at First State Squash through squash that would help them grow as individuals.

Jada Thomas

Academic Coordinator

Jada Thomas has joined First State Squash through Public Allies Delaware, an AmeriCorps program dedicated to community engagement and national service. A proud Allegheny College Alumna, Jada earned her bachelor's degree in Communications & Cultural Studies with a minor in Community & Justice Studies. Having grown up in Wilmington, she is familiar with the educational journey many of our students are on, and is passionate about their growth and success. During her time with FSS, Jada aims to make a meaningful impact on the organization while providing both academic and emotional support to students.

First State Squash is operated by a small full-time staff dedicated to providing multi-faceted programming.

In 2016, First State Squash was launched in partnership with the Squash and Education Alliance (SEA). Modeled after 25 programs within the (SEA) network, FSS’s model and long-term goals draw inspiration from the success of our sister programs across the country. In 2018, data compiled from various programs under SEA’s umbrella that noted: