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. Women’s Masters & Women’s Skill Level Squash Championships and Introducing the City Cup!


For the first time ever, we are hosting a women’s only weekend for the 2024 U.S. Women’s Masters & Women’s Skill Level Squash Championships. We have Master’s (age) divisions from 19+ to 75+ and Skill Level Divisions from 2.0+ to 5.5+.


Do you think you are too young to play in the Masters?  Well, you are not! We start age group divisions at 19 years old.


Do you think you are not good enough to play at Nationals?  Well, you are not! We have a skill level division for everyone! We start the skill levels at 2.0.


So come on out and join the fun! Draws are filling up already!


If you played college squash and miss seeing your teammates, here is your chance to have a reunion! Get the gang back together for a weekend of competition and camaraderie.


When you play in both an Age Group and Skill Level division, you’ll have at least four matches throughout the weekend and there will be two social get togethers—a cocktail party on Friday night and a dinner on Saturday night.


But wait…there’s more…


This women’s only adult event will also have a team element: the City Cup will be awarded to the city or regions with the most number of points, awarded for both participation and wins. Come represent your city or region and cheer on your fellow squash players! Make it a fun weekend with your friends!


2024 U.S. Women’s Masters & 

Women’s Skill Level Squash Championships 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Apr 12 - 14, 2024

More Information and Registration

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 doubles@ussquash.org. 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. 

Host an International Women's Day Event

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.

Submit a Nomination

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

by Kara Hale


In the heart of Portland, Oregon, the women's squash community at the Multnomah Athletic Club is buzzing with activity and enthusiasm. Despite being a small group, Portland women are fostering growth, welcoming new players, and creating a vibrant squash culture that thrives on camaraderie and connection.

 

We have seen a diverse array of faces this season as a result of our recruiting efforts, everyone from moms of junior squash players to tennis, pickleball and racquetball players (we love our racquet converts). We have also been lucky to welcome home two recent collegiate players, Rachel Wagner and Emily Couch, who are back in Portland after attending east coast colleges. We take pride in providing opportunities for newcomers, such as the two tennis players who stepped onto the courts for the first time this week, while also celebrating the return of seasoned players. This commitment underscores our dedication to fostering inclusivity by increasing the number of women on the courts.   

 

Highlights from our women's squash community include weekly women’s nights on Thursdays, Saturday morning training sessions, and inter-club city league matches, which has kept our courts filled with energy and excitement. Recently, we wrapped up the Eve Bachman tournament at the MAC—a fantastic all-women's event that brings together players from all walks of life for a day of spirited competition and fun in honor of a woman who promoted women's squash throughout her life, and championed women as lifelong athletes. Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the upcoming Rose City Tournament from March 1-3, featuring three women's divisions. The MAC is energized to host and share Portland women's skills and passion for the game with the larger women's squash community. 

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!

National Tournament Schedule



Note: The World Masters in Amsterdam, the dates shifted from August 17-24, 2024 to August 15-22, 2024.

Sign up for The Rally Roundup