The Rally Roundup: December Newsletter

Rally Roundup Newsletter - December 2024

In this newsletter, we recap Howe Cup, profile Nayelly Hernandez-Walker, take a look at the upcoming tournaments, and have ways to stay connected to the squash community.

2024 Howe Cup and MPB Doubles Recap - What a weekend it was!

More than 300 women competed on five-player teams across four divisions in the 2024 Howe Cup, the United States’ largest annual women’s squash tournament.

With 112 players competing in the MPD doubles event held alongside the Howe Cup, this was the largest women’s doubles event ever!

You can see all the results on the Howe Cup tournament page and MPB Doubles tournament page. Live stream replays are available on the US Squash Youtube channel. View all pictures in the Howe Cup Gallery.

The NY Fab Five entered the A draw as the top seeds, and pulled off a perfect run to the title without dropping a single match. Despite the 5-0 scoreline, the final proved to be a difficult test against Philadelphia’s Pheisty Phive. No. 1 Min Jie Teh, No. 3 Sidney Maxwell and No. 4 Katherine Lynch all pulled through four- and five-game wins to seal the title.

“We’re so excited to bring the Howe Cup trophy back to New York City,” said Lynch, the NY Fab Five captain. “We worked really hard to put together the best team possible. It’s just such an amazing weekend of women’s squash, and I’m happy that we were able to showcase the New York talent here in Philadelphia. It’s been a special weekend. Everyone’s so welcoming and warm, and nice and fun. Last night everyone from ages 14 to 75 were on the dance floor together having a great time. The sportsmanship was so good from everyone. It was such a wholesome, wonderful weekend for women’s squash.”

For a third straight year, the B division was decided between New York City and Boston-based teams. The top-seeded NYC Big Nick Energy edged defending champions and two seeds Boston Queen B’s in a close 3-2 final.

The C division title will remain in the pacific northwest, but moves from Seattle to Portland, Oregon after MAC Attack made a surprise run to the title. The Multnomah Athletic Club-based team upset the top two seeds on their way to the title, defeating top seeds NYC Aces in the semifinals and two seeds NYC Lob Mob in the final.

Boston earned a title in the D Division in another close 3-2 final in a battle of the Racquettes: Boston vs. NYC.

The MPB Doubles saw Baltimore’s mother-daughter tandem Patricia & Casey Wong top the A division against New York City’s Joanne Schickerling and Howe Cup champion Min Jie Teh.

Philadelphia-area teams won both the B and C titles: Ninca Abdullah & Ella Watson claimed the B title, while Julia Pierce & Rebecca Guenther captured the C title. Buffalo’s Ann Wolney & Anne Denman will take the D title back to upstate New York after fulfilling their top seeding.

Coach Nayelly Hernandez-Walker on Mentorship and Celebrating the Past, Present and Future

by Migyu Kim

I strongly believe that if you were to talk to any squash player and ask them about their experiences, they would all appreciate the realm of opportunities that squash offers. Being a squash player means experiencing so many special things, such as traveling to unique places for tournaments, meeting new friends from around the world, and discovering your own potential.

For Coach Nayelly Hernandez-Walker, current assistant coach for the Columbia men’s and women’s squash teams, squash has enabled her to experience success and pride as both a player and mentor.

Coach Nayelly’s journey with squash began in Mexico with her father. After health issues of his own, Coach Nayelly’s father encouraged her and her siblings to exercise and stay active. What started as a fun activity for Coach Nayelly soon transformed into a competitive career. She quickly fell in love with the feelings of validation and accomplishment from both small and big wins. She said that some of the most rewarding aspects of squash are “winning a long rally after you’re so tired,” and also, “seeing improvements in your game in general after putting in time and effort.”

Upcoming Tournaments on the West Coast

Pack your bags and go west!

The Seattle Open, a Masters Squash Series Event January 24 - 26

Seattle, WA

Come on out to Seattle, see the city, and play in The Seattle Open! This year, The Seattle Open is part of the Masters Squash Series and features women’s age group and skill level draws. The tournament will be held at the Seattle Athletic Club, downtown at Pike Place Market. Did you play in the Howe Cup in 2019? Remember the fun you had in Seattle? Well come on back, enjoy the city, play squash, and see all your friends from the West Coast. This is a great tune up event for The Butternut and the season ending US Women’s Masters and Skill Level Championships. Entry deadline is January 14. See the tournament page to sign up and for more information.

The Butternut, The West Coast Women's Team Tournament

March 14-16

Portland, OR

We are proud to announce The Butternut, the first women’s west coast team tournament, to be held from March 14-16, 2025 at the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland, OR. The Butternut is a celebration of women’s squash on the west coast and we invite everyone throughout the US and Canada to come play. Meet us in Portland for this great weekend of friendship, competition and camaraderie.

The Butternut is for women players (14+ years old) of all skill levels, with both 3-woman team format for singles and doubles draws. Play in one or both with the same entry fee.

Team Format and Details

Teams consist of 3 players, with each player competing against an opponent in the same ladder position.
Players may enter as a complete team or individually. We will match players to teams and teams with players.
Enter in one of the 4 divisions
A (4.0 and above)
B (3.3 - 3.99)
C (2.6 - 3.29)
D (2.59 and below)
At the end of the weekend, each division will crown a West Coast Champion 3-person team in celebration of their hard work and competitive spirit.
Cities entering three 3-person teams will also compete for the prestigious Eve Bachman Trophy, recognizing excellence in teamwork and sportsmanship.

Tournament Highlights

Matches will be held at MAC’s award-winning facility, featuring six singles and two doubles courts.
Players can expect 3-5 singles matches and 2-4 doubles matches over the weekend.
Enjoy Friday and Saturday night dinners, drinks, lunch, and snacks, all included for players and sponsors.
Exclusive discounted rates are available for participants at the Mark Spencer Hotel (just .7 miles from MAC).

Explore Portland

Make the most of your visit to Portland! MAC is conveniently located just a short walk from downtown’s vibrant amenities. From boutique shops and renowned restaurants to the iconic Powell’s City of Books, there’s plenty to explore nearby. For those seeking outdoor adventure, the stunning Columbia River Gorge is less than an hour’s drive away, offering breathtaking waterfalls and family-friendly hikes. This event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and grow women’s squash while forging meaningful connections across cities and skill levels.

When signing up, let us know in the comments who is on your team and/or if you need a team or are looking for other players. Also, if you are signing up for singles and doubles, let us know if you need a doubles partner or who your partner is.

If you have any questions, please contact Dulce Ramirez.

Click on the events below to find out more and sign up:

Want to Stay Connected with Women Squash Players at Howe Cup?

We have created a new WhatsApp Community with topic specific groups to facilitate communication between women squash players throughout the country, from sunny Florida to rainy Seattle!

We have a Howe Cup specific group to stay connected with players at Howe Cup.

Join the Community