The BC Jesters have played a pivotal role in growing post-secondary squash in British Columbia, serving as the Title Sponsor of the Post-Secondary Program since September 2023. Under their support, the program has expanded across the province, hosting multiple camps and, most recently, the 2025 BC Jesters Post-Secondary  Championships.

This year’s Championships marked a historic return to the BC Provincial Championships Series for the first time since 2018, bringing together 23 student-athletes from five post-secondary institutions—UVic, UBC, UFV, UBCO, and Camosun College. Karen Levine, the BC Jesters Chair,  has been instrumental in making this all happen. Thanks to the Karen and the BC Jesters’ generous financial support, registration fees were lowered, travel subsidies were provided, and financial barriers were removed, ensuring more students had the opportunity to compete.

Beyond post-secondary squash, the BC Jesters are also making an impact at the grassroots level with initiatives like the Travelling Jesters Program. This program brings experienced Jesters to squash clubs across the province for a fun, engaging, and cost-free experience where they play, coach, and share their love of the game with local players!

We did a spotlight Q&A with Karen, to learn more about her involvement in squash and the BC Jesters!

Q&A with Karen Levine 

Squash BC: Can you share a little introduction about yourself? 

Karen: I would consider myself a late- to-the-squash-party player, envious of those with beautiful technique and skill learned as juniors. That said, I am forever grateful to the game of squash for providing me with a passport to instant, wonderful communities, having lived in several cities across Canada and the USA. Being a part of the Jesters organization provides one of the best ways to pay it forward, on and off the court. 

Squash BC: For those who may not know, can you share more about the BC Jesters and its role in supporting squash in BC?

Karen: The Jesters is an international organization, founded in 1929, dedicated to the promotion and growth of many racquet sports, anchored by squash. Here in BC we are supporting programs both financially and physically (on court) toward these goals. Throughout the year we hold events for fundraising and the opportunity to share the love of squash through play and socializing. 

Squash BC: The Jesters have been a great support for the Post-Secondary Squash Programs. Why do you believe it’s important to invest in squash at the university level?

Karen: The Post Secondary demographic is one that we can support in two ways, allowing for bridging between junior and adult programs, as well as introducing squash to those that have never heard of or seen the game. Squash is a natural fit for students, a great workout in a short amount of time, and social too. 

Squash BC: How do you feel seeing the success of the recent post-secondary championships?

Karen: As with any initiative, you have to start somewhere. I am a great believer in momentum, and this year’s post-secondary championships were the start of something that has great potential to grow. 

Squash BC: Beyond the Post-Secondary Program, how do the Jesters support the broader squash community in BC?

Karen: We started the Travelling Jesters Program a couple of years ago, to support facilities outside of the Lower Mainland. We think there’s much untapped opportunity to grow the game and build a cohesive squash community across the province. Squash BC connects Jesters with facilities that are looking for guest players, and we Jesters add our squash gear when heading out on a road trip.

Squash BC: What excites you most about the future of squash in BC, especially with the growing interest from students. 

Karen: Over the last few years the strength of our Juniors when competing nationally has been impressive. Creating opportunities for squash to grow in a less competitive, more participation and social oriented way is critical for our game. It truly is a sport for a lifetime when we accommodate all levels of skill, fitness and ability. My dream is to get outdoor courts built, providing an opportunity for more exposure and participation. 

Interested in Hosting the Travelling Jesters?

The Travelling Jesters Program takes advantage of the talent and willingness of the BC Jester members to be ambassadors for squash and share their love of the game with others.

  • Who are the BC Jesters? The BC Jesters is a provincial chapter of The Jesters Club, an international organization whose membership is dedicated to the development and promotion of squash and a few other lesser known racquet sports, building skills and sportsmanship with clubs, schools, and universities.
  • What is the Travelling Jesters Program? The Travelling Jesters Program provides an opportunity for Jesters to visit a squash facility in BC to play fun, social squash with their members for a few hours. The event can include: a singles game, a round robin with members and Jesters, or even an exhibition match followed by fun play. Events and activities are subject to the Jester’s and member’s skill levels.
  • Why Host the Travelling Jesters? It’s a cost-free opportunity for your members to participate in organized squash play with players that play squash at a high level and can share their knowledge of the game in a fun and friendly way.

Interested in hosting the Travelling Jesters at your facility? Contact Squash BC at office@squashbc.com or more information.