Hall of Fame - Distinguished Service
The Maryland State Squash Racquets Association (MSSRA) was founded in 1907. It was one of the first members of the United States Squash Racquets Association, which was founded the year before in 1906. In 2016, although the non-profit’s 501 3c corporate status remains under its MSSRA designation, the Association operates as “MARYLAND SQUASH.”
Over the years, Maryland Squash has sponsored hundreds of State, Regional, and National Championships. Among these, Maryland Squash has hosted 12 United States National Squash Doubles Championships. The Association additionally sponsors junior squash through the Maryland State Squash Championships. All US Squash Junior age- groups and index categories (for Juniors and Adults) are represented.
1993
In 1993, the Board, Officers, and Members of the Association voted to recognize individuals who volunteered their time and talents for the betterment of Maryland Squash over many years. Some managed the association. Others ran state and national championships.
Some did both. The award was titled the “Maryland State Squash Outstanding Achievement Award.” The first recipient was Robert “Bob” Everd. In 2020, the award was renamed to honor Bob's more than 30 years of service. Since its founding, 20 Maryland State Squash volunteers have received the Robert Everd Outstanding Achievement Award. Recent research identified Haswell Franklin Sr as being honored by Maryland Squash in 1983 for his many years of Outstanding Service to Maryland Squash. It is fitting to recognize Haswell as the actual first person so honored by Maryland Squash.
1997
In 1997, The Maryland State Squash Hall of Fame was established to recognize Maryland's most titled champions. The first recipients were inducted at a dinner celebration held in their honor at the 1998 Baltimore Invitational Singles and Doubles Championships. Forty state and national squash champions have been inducted into the Maryland State Squash Hall of Fame since its founding.
2002
In 2002, seven individuals were recognized for their Distinguished Service to Maryland Squash. They are Patricia Goodyear, Jervis Finney, Jack Luetkemeyer, Thomas Schweizer, Tim Schweizer and Mary Jean and Oliver Travers.
2018
The Nancy Cushman Impact Award was established in 2018 to honor those individuals whose dedication and industry will have a lasting impact on the game. Nancy Cushman, founder of the Meadow Mill Athletic Club, brought the international game to Maryland in 1992. Nancy is the individual most responsible for the explosion of junior squash in Maryland.
2024
In 2024, the Board, Officers, and Membership of Maryland Squash combined all four of these prestigious Maryland Squash awards under the Maryland Squash Hall of Fame Awards umbrella. Hall of Fame - Championship Play recognizes on court excellence. The Robert Everd Outstanding Achievement Award - Distinguished Service -- Nancy Cushman Impact Award are combined under the umbrella of the Maryland Squash Hall of Fame - Distinguished Service.
Hall of Fame - Championship Play
Hall of Fame - Distinguished Service
Each individual has enriched the sport in Maryland. All three awards are interconnected. The purpose of the awards is to provide an ongoing history of Maryland Squash back to its 1907 beginning. In years to come, people who love and play the game of Squash Racquets in Maryland will be able to learn about those Marylanders whose talent and enthusiasm made the game not only better for their contemporaries but better for future generations - in Maryland and Nationally.