Lefika Ragontse sponsored the first annual Diamond in the Rough tournament this past August. He partnered with the Botswana Squash Rackets Association who agreed to host the event at the National Squash Centre in Gaborone, Botswana. The Diamond in the Rough Tournament was sanctioned as a PSA Satellite Tournament. Squash players over the age of 18, who are eligible to play professionally, were invited to register for the event. Lefika chose two players to sponsor as well. In November, these players will be coming to the United States to train, play professionally as well as work with junior players at Lefika’s squash clubs; Dread Sports in Baltimore and the New Jersey Squash Club in Princeton.
“I am excited to offer other Squash professionals in Africa the same opportunity that I once received,” Ragonste said. While the tournament this year was limited to male players, Lefika hopes to expand this to include women next year. Lefika is also well-known in Botswana and elsewhere for his passion for the youth, who he believes represent the real future of Botswana and the rest of the globe. He is currently working on raising money for the Botswana Junior Boys who will be coming to the United States for three months this December as well as the Botswana Junior Girls who are coming to play in the U.S. Open, also in December. He is looking for donations to assist with travel related expenses. Donations can be made at: https://www.gofundme.com/botswana-junior-national-team-training-trip.
About Lefika Ragontse
Lefika Ragontse is well-recognized around the world for his accomplishments and achievements in the sport of squash. In addition to being a world renown player, he is also a well-respected coach.
Lefika opened his first club Dread Sports Club & Fitness, in a warehouse-turned-facility in Baltimore, which went on to be a local success, cultivating 16 national champions while growing the local squash community. Dread Sports now owns and operates squash courts in Lutherville-Timonium, Baltimore and Princeton. Each location offers membership options, clinics, camps, lessons and more. In addition to managing these clubs, Lefika also offers private coaching services and he works directly with recruiters from the top squash schools in the country. [princetonmercerchamber.org]
Achievements
Four-time NCAA Champion
USA U25 Champion
Botswana National Champion
Zimbabwe Open Champion
Namibian Open Champion
Captain of Botswana National Team
Captain of Trinity College Squash Team
Has Coached 16 US Junior Squash National Champions.
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