Our Team
Patrick Williams
Executive Director
Patrick joined SquashDrive in November of 2020. Originally from Boston, and a SquashBusters alumnus Patrick brings a unique perspective to youth development. After graduating from SquashBusters in 2007, he went on to earn a B.A in sociology at Bates College. After graduating in 2011, Patrick remained in Maine to teach grade school and run Lewiston Squash, a mini urban squash program he started while at Bates. After 2012, Patrick returned to Boston to coach at several squash clubs, including volunteering at SquashBusters. In 2014, Patrick pursued his goal to move to Los Angeles. While in Los Angeles, Patrick worked at the YMCA serving as a Youth & Family Program Director for four years. During this time he obtained his Masters of Coaching & Athletic Administration at Concordia University. Patrick is ecstatic to be the Executive Director of SquashDrive as it has been his dream to run an urban squash program.
Vijay Sekaran
Vice President of Operations and Squash Lead
Vijay started playing squash in 7th grade in Pittsburgh, PA. He captained his high school teams and played competitively into college at Penn. Vijay continued recreationally in the Bay Area for 20 years (Davis, Sunnyvale, and UCSF). His academic passions lead to a career in biomedical engineering and design consulting. He’s always enjoyed connecting people and growing the game of squash. Vijay started volunteering for SquashDrive a few years before joining the team and is now excited to leverage his years of medical device and design experience in new and meaningful ways.
Since joining SquashDrive in 2021, Vijay loves the students’ enthusiasm for squash, and it is contagious! Vijay looks forward to growing our program and wants to share his joy. Squash is so much fun!
Yamileth Catalan
Program Director
Yamileth is a first generation Latina born and raised in Los Angeles. She has over 12 years of experience working with youth (ages 4 - 18) inside and outside of the classroom. Yamilth’s passion for youth development came from having great mentors and leaders who supported her throughout her adolescent years at the YMCA. Yamileth is excited to pay it forward to SquashDrive students and help them reach their full potential!
Yvonne Cooper
Program Coordinator
Hi everyone, Welcome or welcome back! I'm Yvonne an Oakland native who is passionate about supporting youth and families and who values culture, community, and learning from different experiences. I’m a first-generation college graduate with years of experience serving youth and families across schools, county agencies, community-based programs, and mental health settings, with a focus on helping young people access support, resources, and opportunities to thrive.
At SquashDrive, I support our high school program through academic enrichment, college and career readiness, community service, student engagement, and family communication. I am trauma-informed, equity-driven, and believe in creating spaces where young people can grow, feel supported, and thrive in school, athletics, and life.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading , traveling, exploring different cultures, and spending time with my son, who is now a middle school student! I’m excited to continue being part of the SquashDrive community this year!
Carolina Pérez
Squash Coordinator
Carolina Pérez is the new Squash Coordinator at SquashDrive. She is 22 years old and originally from San Diego, CA. Carolina grew up participating in an SEA member program, Access Youth Academy, where her love for squash began.
As a first-generation college student, Carolina moved to the Bay Area five years ago to attend UC Berkeley, where she played college squash for two years. Having previously been part of an urban squash program, Carolina feels right at home at SquashDrive. She sees herself in the students and is deeply driven to support them in becoming the best versions of themselves.
Carolina looks forward to building meaningful connections with students, families, staff, and everyone involved with SquashDrive.