This week, the Specter Center says farewell to its Drexel co-ops. Through the Drexel University co-op program, students have the opportunity to gain work experience and become immersed in the squash community while pursuing their undergraduate careers. Students Zachary Feinberg, Doyle Garrett, Rodney Lusby and Avery Santomassimo spent the past six months working at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center for US Squash during the squash season.
Third-year marketing and sports business student Rodney Lusby was most interested in his role for the exposure and integration the position provided in the sports industry and quickly grew to appreciate the energy in the office, especially while working long days during events. Within the first month of the co-op, the 2025 U.S. Open returned to the Specter Center, a PSA Platinum tournament that featured the top players from around the world. Co-ops worked side-by-side with soon-to-be Olympians in a taste of the action-packed squash world.
“I am very glad that the first tournament I worked was the U.S. Open,” said Lusby. “The teamwork on display was incredible; whether it was another large event such as the U.S. Junior Open in December or smaller events like Open Houses and clinics, teamwork was always present.”
In her role as Events and Program Support: Tournament Support, Santomassimo served as the first point of interaction for many parents, players and coaches calling in for assistance.
“These past six months, I have been involved in almost every area of program support. I have been able to learn so much about the work US Squash does and help contribute to the organization,” said Santomassimo, second-year sports business and marketing student. “One of my biggest achievements has been the work I have done to help coordinate tournaments. Through working with tournament directors, players and parents, I have made sure that all events go on as smoothly as possible, including our record-breaking High School Nationals!”
Communication major Doyle Garrett worked closely on the launch of US Squash’s ongoing Squash57 promotional campaign, along with many other program promotions and campaigns, under Sr. Director of Professional Development and Programming Linda Elriani.
“These last six months have been completely fulfilling and crucial to my growth toward becoming a communications professional,” Garrett said. “All in all, I am proud of the work I have done and cannot wait to use my experience in future classes and after graduation.”
Specter Center visitors may recognize Feinberg’s familiar face from his frequent role at the front desk of the facility, welcoming in players, families and guests while keeping things running behind-the-scenes. At least one tournament or major event was hosted at the Specter Center nearly every weekend in January through April.
“This co-op pushed me to grow and become more well-rounded,” Feinberg said. “It was awesome to be just a small part of what the Specter Center does.”
“I couldn’t imagine what this season would have been like without Zach,” said Sean Carver, Specter Center Sr. Manager of Facility Operations. Carver began working at the Specter Center as a co-op student while pursuing his undergraduate degree and successfully turned his six-month experience into a full-time career.
The Specter Center and US Squash offer multiple co-op roles each co-op cycle. Current co-op cycles run March through September and September through March. To learn more about working for the Specter Center, contact info@spectercenter.org.