WCOsquash Archives - Page 2 of 2 - 2024 Windy City Open

LIZ KUTYLA-MINOR JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

February 25, 2018March 1, 2018
by Yoni Ellous

On behalf of her husband Scott Miner, her friends at Constellation Brands and the University Club of Chicago this award is given in memory of Liz Kutyla- Miner each year during the Windy City Open to a MetroSquash female who displays a dedication to reaching her potential both on and off the squash court. Recipients of the award are chosen for the academic success, positive attitude, and effort in their athletic and scholarly pursuits.

Makyla Kelley has been a member of MetroSquash for 7 years. She started the program in 6th grade and has developed into a leader both on and off the courts. She attends Josephinium Academy, a private school in Chicago where she plays basketball, volleyball, and softball. Makyla is phenomenal squash player; last year, she placed third in her division at the Urban Squash Individual Nationals and reached a US Squash National Ranking of #68 in GU19. She is also a stellar student earning mostly A’s in a challenging IB program. She aspires to play squash in college with St. Lawrence University being her top pick. When asked about MetroSquash, she responded, “MetroSquash has made me more outgoing and has had a positive impact on my academics. My mentor Emilie continues to give me advice about education and squash and is shaping me into who I am today.”

2017 Winner: Michel’le Messenger, 1st Year at Clark-Atlanta University
2016 Winner: Kai Stewart, 2nd Year at Lincoln Unversity
2015 Winner: Anathiel John-Charles, 2nd Year at Smith College
2014 Winner: Liliana Vazquez, Senior at Tabor Academy
2013 Winner: Khadijah Muhammad, 4th Year at Denison University
2012 Winner: Marylyn Rogel, Alumna of University of Vermont
2011 Winner: Nubia Beasley-Bartee, 2nd Year at Bates College
2010 Winner: Precious Rooks, Alumna of Denison University

HIT WITH THE PRO’S CLINIC FOR PATRONS AND SPONSORS

February 24, 2018
by Yoni Ellous

This morning before action started on the glass court during the 2016 Windy City Open we had an amazing Pro Clinic for our Sponsors & Patrons with top pro’s like The Swiss Rocket: Nicolas Müller, Chris Hanson, Paul Coll, Nele Gilis, Laura Massaro, Peter Creed, Hollie Naughton amd Nafiizwan Adnan. It was great fun for all ages but we will let the pictures do the rest of the talking.

#WCOsquash #UCCO #Metrosquash

3RD ANNUAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP AWARD & ROUND TABLE

February 15, 2018February 25, 2018
by Yoni Ellous

The Windy City Open is extremely proud to continue with our 3rd annual women’s leadership award & round table. In the previous two years we have had two amazing key note speakers (Jackie Joyner-Kersee & Billie Jean King). With that success this year the Windy City Open committee decided to change the format slightly and present a round table discussion “Breaking Barriers and Reaching Parity” with the following panel of incredible individuals:

– Raneem El Welily, Egypt (World ranking #2, three time WCO Champion)
– Nicol David, Malaysia (World ranking #7, former World #1 for 9 consecutive years)
– Amanda Sobhy, USA (World ranking #30, Harvard grad and unbeaten collegiate record)
– Emma Charlton, England (Squash Director at Metrosquash, former world #11)
– Alex Gough, Wales (CEO of the Professional Squash Association, former world #5)
– Kareemah Bates (MetroSquash Development Coordinator and program alumnus)

The Windy City Open Women’s Leadership Award celebrates and promotes influential women squash players and athletes who are leaders in all facets of their professional and athletic lives. Honorees have shown leadership and dedication resulting in a significant impact in the sports and/or business community in the Midwest. Previous years honorees include Jackie Moss and Savi Pai. This year’s honor is for Thyra E. Zerhusen.