Our Team
peter Nicol
co-founder + technical coach
Former World No.1 for 5 years, Peter has turned his passion from playing squash to coaching - first with juniors, and now also with dedicated adults. Peter opened Nicol Squash in Providence R.I., now PVD Squash, and played a major role in the development and construction of the Manhattan Community Squash Center, now Open Squash, where Nicol Squash operated its junior academy. Over the years it became apparent that Nicol Squash needed its own independent home, and here we are at 42nd St!
Over the years, Peter has become especially passionate about working technically with players on a 1:1 basis, where he sees the most progression and can develop deep relationships. When not coaching, Peter is passionate about carving out time to spend with his wife, Jess, and son Bode, the loves of his life.
Jessica Winstanley
co-founder + director
Jess wears many hats as part of the Nicol Squash team, from business development to overseeing the many moving parts of business operations. Her greatest passion is people and she loves having the opportunity to work with kids in particular. Transitioning to opening Nicol Squash on 42nd St has brought the opportunity to work with adults as well - both on the mat in her HIIT/LIIT classes as well as greeting and getting to know all these interesting folks who are curious about squash! Jess lives the Nicol Squash vibe with her positive energy and is on a mission to spread the joy of this sport and staying active. When not at Nicol Squash, Jess is ideally either surfing or skiing with her boys Peter and Bode.
Jamal Callender
Juinior squash director
When Peter and Jess moved to NYC, Peter immediately saw a need for a weekend junior squash program that included all aspects of the game —conditioning, match play and mental strategy — the tools needed for junior players to compete with knowledge and strength. At the time, Poly Prep alum Jamal was coaching the Poly boys and girls squash teams. He, Peter + Jess formed the NCA weekend program at Poly, which grew from a handful of players to nearly 100. Jamal is loved not only by his peers, but he also brings so much enthusiasm, passion, and fun to his coaching that juniors of all levels are excited to be on court with him.
Melissa Winstanley
Camp director
Melissa has been in the business of squash for many years, starting with the hardball tour and working with Xerox as its exclusive sponsor in Toronto in the 1980’s. A move to the Boston area in 1990 enabled her to team up with John Nimick, former hardball renowned player, where together they formed a business that has included professional squash and tennis events throughout North America. Two of the most prominent events are the Oracle NetSuite Open in San Francisco and the Tournament of Champions in Grand Central Terminal, NYC. Melissa loves getting to know squash families through her management of Nicol Squash camps. She started 12 years ago speaking with 20 families each summer now to 150! Melissa and her husband Peter live in Atlanta, GA but are thankful to be able to spend much time with their NYC family.
Laura massaro
Coach
Like Peter Nicol, Laura has had an unprecedented squash career, spending 11 years on the PSA Tour ranked number ten and below. She achieved her goal of becoming the No. 1 ranked women’s player in 2016, a dream she doggedly pursued through hard work and encouragement and management from her husband, Danny. Laura retired in May of 2019 at the British Open and has funneled her time and energy into working with England Squash and Lancashire Junior Squash to grow the sport locally. Like Jess, Laura is passionate about continuing as the Head Coach of the All Girls Squash and Empowerment brand and challenging junior female squash players to not only improve their game, but to also gain the life skills they need to navigate the teen years and grow with confidence through a mutual recognition of women in sports.
John Nimick
former business partner
In the beginning, there were four … when Peter, Jess, Melissa, and John conceived the idea of teaming together to create a business for junior squash summer programming, John was an active member. He lent his prolific background of squash knowledge, experience, and contacts to the team, which actually led to the first several years of camps at the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT, and Episcopal Academy outside of Philadelphia. After several years, John reluctantly decided it was time that he put all his efforts into running the business of Squash Engine, Inc., which is the platform for professional men’s and women’s squash tournaments in iconic places around North America.