Facebook and cupcakes are not yet widely accepted tools in building successful enterprises, but as a Boston University student is proving, it turns out they work. Tribbie Nassikas is a D.C. transplant who found herself in the middle of a squash hub at a school with two courts in a new facility, but without a squash team. The former top-30 junior decided to see what she could do about that.
 
"There is such a large community here, and a large international community which is great because squash is an international sport," Nassikas said. "And Boston is such a great city for squash."
 
Up late one night, Nassikas created a Facebook group called "Boston University Club Squash," and went to sleep. When she logged on to the social networking site the next morning, 35 people had joined the group.
 
"From there I was really reassured me that this could take form," Nassikas said. 
 
Now confident that there was interest in the team, Nassikas contacted the necessary departments at BU to learn the steps involved in creating an official club team. She formed a board to run the team and went to the College Squash Association for additional information and advice. The co-ed team is currently a conditional team at BU and will likely become a club team next year.
 
With the guidelines to forming a team figured out, Nassikas went about raising money for and generating interest in the team. She organized a bake sale on campus, and next to the goodies placed a sign-up sheet for those interested in learning more about BU squash. Approximately 30 students signed up and $100 was raised.
 
Nassikas sends out emails to everyone who joined the Facebook group or signed up at the fundraiser. She also held a meeting where students could learn more about the team. Nassikas said those interested in joining range from experienced players to students who have never picked up a racquet. Many do not have their own equipment, an issue that may be partially addressed through fundraising. Miller Knott, who also has previous squash experience, will co-captain the team.
 
The captains and fellow board members will hold tryouts November 5. Nassikas is planning on a 15-person roster. Once the team is decided, she will try to schedule matches with local teams. The Bryant University team has already contacted her about setting up a match. The BU team is expected to compete at the men's national championships in February.
 
While holding tryouts and compiling a schedule are substantial tasks, they mark the conclusion of months of nonstop legwork for Nassikas.
 
"I've had to figure out a lot," she said. "It's definitely time consuming, but it's been great. I'm excited to get things going."

"The CSA enthusiastically welcomes Boston University into the intercollegiate fold," Ron Beck, Executive director of the CSA said. "The enthusiasm and creativity that Nassikas has already shown is bound to be infectious in getting other new area programs going, such as the brand new program currently getting organized at Brandeis University, just up the road from BU."
 

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