Mission Success was founded by board member Alistair Barnes with the belief that Houston students deserve access to the same opportunities, mentorship, and support systems as their peers, regardless of socioeconomic background. What began as a small volunteer-led squash program — with coaches transporting students to the Downtown Club at the Met for squash instruction and homework help — has since grown into a comprehensive youth development organization serving students across Houston.

In 2015, Mission Squash partnered with Hogg Middle School to transform an unused auxiliary gym into a state-of-the-art squash and academic facility featuring three international squash courts and classroom space. Official after-school programming launched at Hogg in 2016, creating a consistent, safe, and structured environment where students could grow both academically and athletically.

As the program evolved, so did its impact. Mission Success celebrated its first graduating class in 2021 and has since supported students in gaining admission to competitive private boarding and day schools, colleges, summer enrichment programs, and leadership opportunities across the country. In 2023, the organization changed its name from Mission Squash to Mission Success to better reflect its holistic mission and the full scope of its work beyond the squash court.

Today, Mission Success is the only urban squash and education program of its kind in Texas. Built on the nationally recognized squash-and-education model, the organization combines academic support, mentorship, athletics, wellness, and post-secondary access to empower economically disadvantaged students to succeed in school, in college, and in life. While squash serves as a unique entry point, the ultimate goal is long-term educational attainment, personal growth, and creating future leaders who positively impact their communities.