Brunswick School Unveils “The Stephens Squash Center”

By Bonni Brodnick

The invitation read, “Shhhh…Mum’s the word” for a surprise dedication of the Brunswick Squash Center in honor of the legendary squash coach, Jim Stephens. The development office at Brunswick knew all was clear on the surprise front when Jim himself called to RSVP: “I’d love to attend the dedication on Saturday night; thanks for the invite.” He thought the purpose of the event was to recognize Peer and Mary Pedersen for their enormous generosity towards the construction of Brunswick’s state-of-the-art squash facility. In all of the Pedersens’ humility, it took nearly 10 years to convince them to allow Brunswick to publicly recognize their gift. Jim Stephens was on board for that!

(L-R) Thomas Philip (Brunswick Headmaster), Peer Pedersen, Jim Stephens (coach and namesake of the newly dedicated squash facility) and longtime friend Peter Briggs.
(L-R) Thomas Philip (Brunswick Headmaster), Peer Pedersen, Jim Stephens (coach and namesake of the newly dedicated squash facility) and longtime friend Peter Briggs.

“In testament to Peer and Mary’s modesty and generosity—although they reluctantly allowed us to recognize their support—they only did so if we promised to name the squash facility in honor of their special friend,” said Headmaster Thomas W. Philip to more than 130 current and past players, parents, coaches, and friends of squash (both at Brunswick and elsewhere) at the reception.

“To get right to the punch line: It is my greatest pleasure to dedicate this amazing facility in honor of Mr. James Stephens.”

The crowd cheered and clapped. Jim blushed.

Monikers bestowed upon Jim include genuine, humble, beautiful, kind-hearted, patient, encouraging. As a mathematics teacher, advisor and coach at Brunswick since 1985, he models the virtues that define Brunswick School. And it’s no exaggeration to say that Jim is at the helm of one of the strongest athletic programs in the School, and one of the strongest high school squash programs in the entire country. Because of Jim’s effort, Brunswick School is synonymous with the highest level of prep school squash, and at Brunswick School, squash is synonymous with Jim Stephens.

Brunswick squash players have what it takes, here and thereafter, thanks to Jim’s talented coaching. His players don’t just play at Brunswick and quit. Almost every Ivy League squash team in the country has a star Brunswick player on the roster. In fact, 14 Brunswick grads are currently playing Division I squash.

“Jim represents what I love about Brunswick, which is the people,” said Peer Pedersen, a Brunswick Trustee, former Varsity squash player at Dartmouth, and winner of countless club championships (more than 30 between Apawamis, NYAC, and the Racquet Club in NYC). It should also be noted that in 2002, Peer won the U.S. National Doubles in the 45+, and in 2004 won the World Squash Doubles Open in the 45+ (both with friend Peter Briggs as his partner). “Jim is the best of the best in regard to leadership, and long after the boys can’t even play squash, they’ll remember their coach, Jim Stephens.”