Squash on Fire's hardcore team of coaches is dedicated
to developing DC into a squash powerhouse.
Ronny Vlassaks
Pascal Lienard
Will Hopton
Zahab Khan
Tim Lasusa
Daniel Mantilla
Chad Smith
Ronny Vlassaks
Director of Squash

Ronny moved to DC from Belgium in November 2018 and 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 (World #5) and the Gilis sisters (Nele ranked World #12 and Tinne #18), as well as to promote the game of squash as a member of the World Squash Federation Ambassadors Program.

As our Director of Squash, Ronny is responsible for developing and rolling out squash programming for all levels and ages, as well as overseeing a Performance Academy to train national and international players, and prepare them for competitive tournaments.

Train with Ronny

Pascal Lienard
Coach

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.

Book Pascal

Will Hopton
Executive Director

Will is from London, England and racquet sports have played a huge part in his life. After graduating from the University of Bristol he spent four years coaching rackets and squash based at the Racquet Club of Chicago. During that time he had a number of successes competing professionally in rackets. Will was the World Doubles champion from 2013-2015 and won more than 40 tournaments on the pro tour including the US and British Opens while attaining a career high ranking of #2 in the world. Most recently, Will spent three and half years directing marketing and serving on the executive team at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) in College Park, MD. He served as tournament director for top-tier USTA and ITF events in addition to being at the helm for many of JTCC’s fundraising initiatives. He brings with him extensive marketing, sales and events experience and is very excited to be overseeing the continued development and growth of Squash On Fire.

Will Hopton

Zahab Khan
Coach

Zahab heralds from Pakistan and was involved in multiple sports growing up before discovering squash at the age of 16. She was attracted by the individual nature of the game and being a trailblazer as a woman participating in the sport. Her level improved quickly, and she went on to win eight state championships in addition to being ranked #6 nationally. One of her biggest achievements was winning a national Olympics gold medal. Zahab also reached #114 in the PSA world rankings. Alongside her playing Zahab took up a role coaching at Sportsflex in Stamford, CT in 2019 before moving to Play Squash Academy in Mclean, VA. She has a real passion for working with junior players and passing on her own experiences to developing players. In addition, she enjoys working with female adult players and continuing to grow the number of women playing squash. Zahab is excited to join the Squash On Fire team and in particular to work with our school and collegiate programs. Finally, as an additional fun fact Zahab is the Guinness World Record Holder for the most hair donated by an individual….a staggering 5’ 1”and she is also the world record holder for the most hair clips on the head with 1,100!!

Train with Zahab

Tim Lasusa
Coach

Tim started playing at the age of 3 in New York City and quickly fell in love with the game. He attended Poly Prep in Brooklyn and captained the team for two years while playing #1 on the roster. Tim subsequently earned a place at St. Lawrence where he majored in art/art history and represented the Saints all four years leading the team in his senior year. In his junior year the squad was ranked #1 in the country and reached the national finals narrowly losing out to Trinity. After graduating he played on the PSA tour alongside coaching at Round Hill Club in Greenwich, CT. In 2017 he started a new role as assistant coach at Yale. The highlight of his four-year tenure was both teams securing top five season ending national rankings. In fall 2021 Tim was appointed as the first head coach of the new Georgetown Women’s Varsity program. Squash On Fire is lucky to also have him available on a part time basis. He’s a big believer in encouraging his students to be curious and ask questions to help with their development.

Train with Tim

Daniel Mantilla
Coach

Daniel started playing squash at the age of 8 in his native Colombia. He quickly fell in love with the game and began competing in Colombian junior tournaments. Daniel regularly achieved a top five national ranking in several different age groups. He then went on to attend the Autonomous University of Bucaramanga where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business. While he was at college Daniel began traveling to play some lower level PSA events in other countries around South America. His coaching career began as a 16-year-old that continued throughout his time at college. After graduating Daniel spent some time working in the oil industry before starting his own cosmetic lab business. This is still thriving today in both Colombia and the US. Daniel's first coaching role in America came at Lakeshore Fitness in Chicago, IL and during this time there he gained his World Squash Federation Level 1 Coaching Certificate. He subsequently moved to the DC area to work as the Head Coach at Bethesda OneLife Fitness for SquashUp. He's now excited to begin his new full-time position at Squash On Fire and bring his tireless energy/enthusiasm to the role.

Train with Daniel

Chad Smith
Coach

Chad started playing squash at the age of 9 at the Chatham Club in New Jersey alongside his brother and father. He began to compete on the US Squash junior circuit and reached #2 in the country in the Boys U13 rankings along with representing team USA. His first coaching role coincided with his final two years at high school at various clubs in northern New Jersey. Chad attended Roanoke College in VA majoring in Business with a minor in Marketing. He graduated in 2016 and started a role coaching at Lawrenceville School. He’s subsequently had roles at Stuart School, New Jersey Squash Club, Dread Sports and Coppermine in Baltimore, MD. He particularly enjoys sharing in the success of his students and giving back to the game. Chad is excited to bring his knowledge and range of experiences to the Squash On Fire community.

Train with Chad

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