Introduction by Nancy Cushman

I am thrilled that Nancy Wolf is receiving the Robert Everd Outstanding Achievement Award. No one has contributed more in terms of managing big squash events, like the US Nationals – singles and doubles, than Nancy. We too often overlook the people that make events happen. Nancy has been one of those people. She has been doing it for over 30 years. A special thankyou to Maryland Squash for recognizing Nancy with this award for a job well done!

Lizz Everts and Vaughan Schmidt are being inducted into the Maryland Squash Hall of Fame. I am so proud of these two women and their accomplishments. I have had the good fortune to not only know them both for over 30 years, but also to have them be my left wall partner in numerous local and national tournaments. You will not find two fiercer, more honest or capable competitors. They are truly two of Maryland’s best.

Abby Markoe and Peter Heffernan are receiving an award for their significant impact on squash over many years. Maryland Squash kindly named The Impact Award in my honor. It is incredibly special to have an award named after me. Now, I get to hand that award to two people that have made such an impact on squash in Baltimore and across the country. It has been inspirational to work with both of them.

Denis Bourke has simply been one of Maryland’s greatest singles champions for more than thirty years. So, “Congratulations” Denny for being inducted into the Maryland Squash Hall of Fame. You came to Baltimore over thirty years ago, already an accomplished squash player, and continued your standout
play – first at the Roland Park Racquet Club and then at Meadow Mill. It’s difficult to imagine that so many years of standout play and friendship have slipped by. We have missed you recently because of your back surgery; but I look forward to seeing you back at Meadow Mill and on court.

Finally, I am also very pleased that the awards will be presented at Meadow Mill Athletic Club. This is the home Club for all of the recipients. We, at Meadow Mill, our staff and our members, are very proud of each of them. It has been an absolute joy to watch squash explode in popularity, particularly among junior players, over these past and all-to fleeting twenty-six years.