Rally Roundup Newsletter - February 2024

In this newsletter, we are starting with the National Championships, both Singles and Doubles.  If you have not registered yet, no worries, it is not too late!  We are still accepting nominations for the yearly awards.  And, this month, we highlight women’s squash in Portland, Oregon.

And, don’t forget about International Women’s Day.  Organize an event, see details below.

2024 U.S. National Doubles Squash Championships

Bala Cynwyd, PA

Mar 1 - 3, 2024

Attention all doubles players: whether you are experienced or a beginner, this event is for you! The tournament has both skill level and age group events, so enter the division you feel most comfortable!

Sign up now! The early entry deadline is February 4. Registration will close and draws will be locked on February 21 at 5pm ET. If you would like to play, but need a partner….no problem! Email [email protected]. Include your division and wall preference, and we'll do our best to match you up.

All players competing in the 2024 National Doubles will receive a customized Harrow M140 racquet valued at $235. We will have a Players Party and dinner reception on Saturday night! To find out more, visit the Tournament Website. Or, just Sign Up Now!

2024 Celebration of Women & Girls' in Squash on International Women's Day

In honor of International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8, 2024, US Squash encourages facilities across the U.S. to celebrate women and girls in the squash community by hosting a clinic, round robin, "Hit n Sip", any fun social event or "Bring a Buddy” to encourage new females to try squash for the first time. 

In 2023, 50 events were hosted throughout the U.S. Our goal for 2024 is 75 events and we hope you will register your facility to promote women and girls in our sport.  

Through being introduced to squash by a friend, new players will have the opportunity to experience the best aspects of squash—a fun, social, and healthy activity that builds strong relationships while enhancing well-being. The “Bring a Buddy” concept is a great opportunity to celebrate International Women’s Day by growing and strengthening the women and girls squash community. 

Call for Nominations for the Achievement Bowl and Sportsmanship Award

Each year, we ask the women’s squash community to nominate a woman deserving of either the Achievement Bowl or the Sportsmanship Trophy. Now is the time for nominations and we are looking for your nominations.

The Achievement Bowl, the oldest award in US Squash, is awarded to women who have made notable and profound contributions to the advancement of the women’s game.

The Feron’s Wedgwood Sportsmanship Trophy is awarded by the US Squash Women’s Committee to players who have shown exemplary sportsmanship on and off the court.

Past recipients can be found on the Women’s Awards page on the US Squash website. The last time the awards were given was in 2019, before the pandemic, to Molly Pierce receiving the Achievement Bowl and Pat Millman, receiving the Sportsmanship Award. We are excited to bring the tradition back!

The award selection process starts with your nominations, which are then presented to the US Squash Women’s Committee who then recommend award recipients to the US Squash Board of Directors for approval.

We will accept nominations through the end of February and then award recipients will be honored at the US National Women’s Masters and Skill Levels Tournament in Philadelphia during the weekend of April 12-14.

Women’s Squash Around the US - Community Spotlight - Portland, OR

This energy and growth is bolstered by an addition to the Portland squash family: Dulce Ramirez (left), who is the new and dynamic women's pro at the MAC. Hailing from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Dulce's journey with squash began at age 7. Dulce won her pass to the U.S and Canadian Open Junior when she was just 11—a life-changing experience that fueled her love for the game. Her fashion game is in the high 6's, and the whole community enjoys her love of style. Dulce cherishes the MAC squash community for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to growing the sport. A lover of salmon and pastries, she brings her unique flair both on and off the court. Dulce's vision for the future of women's squash in Portland is bright, and her leadership is driving us toward new heights of excellence and inclusivity. With her guidance, we're poised to continue our journey of growth, friendship, and love for the game.

Here's to the unstoppable spirit of women's squash in Portland—may our passion for the sport continue to unite us and inspire generations to come. Please encourage your Oregon friends to join us and reach out when you are in town, we will get you on the courts with us!