May 8, 2025

Singles Championship Review

Good day, fellow Maryland Squashers, Supporters, and Families - we wish to share a note of gratitude pertaining to the just-completed 2025 State Singles Squash Championships.

Foremost - we wish to thank Lefika Ragontse and Coppermine/Dreadsports for leading the charge and overseeing the weekend of play at Coppermine for our tournament players.  Without his and his partner Grace’s help, the event would not have gone as smoothly, and the atmosphere created was full of enjoyment and appreciation for competition.  To add, we thank both Lefika and also Patrick Bedore at Calvert School for also making their courts available in the weeks in front of the tournament – for Open/FREE clinics. We are fortunate to have these facilities available to our Maryland Squash amateur community, and we look forward to more court access in the coming year! 

Second, key takeaways from the 97th Annual Maryland Squash Singles Championships:

Ø  Packed courts and Impressive play throughout the draws

Ø  Highest Junior turn-out - seven separate Junior draws compete

Ø  Ten separate Adult/Skills-rating draws

Ø  16 State Champions crowned + a separate match-up for Boys U19 Title coming

Ø  Volunteer assistance was key

Ø  Volunteer refereeing on every court for every match on Saturday - impressive!

Ø  Food & plenty of drink throughout the Championship/Finals day

Ø  Overheard “one of the best tournaments in Maryland in some time”

 

Third, we congratulate Marissa Coleman as our newly-crowned State Girls Junior Champion – she will have her name etched on the Champions Trophy (consistent with Champions recognition since 1965) and will be added to Junior State Champions plaque at Calvert School.  

 Additionally, we congratulate our highest-ranked OVERALL Champions:

-  in the Men's Division = Wade Johnstone / John Rockefeller 2nd

-  in the Women’s division = Marissa Coleman / Susan Lawrence 2nd

 

Girls Under 15 – Lila Woodworth / finalist = Ava Richardson

Girls Under 17 – Chloe Seto / finalist = Charlotte Wettlaufer

Girls Under 19 – Marisa Coleman / finalist = Sloane Mitchell

Boys Under 13 – Theo Ekanayake / finalist = Alexander Brandt

Boys Under 15 – Grayson Bess / finalist = Israel Abina

Boys Under 17 – Carter Holland / finalist = Mishael Abina

Boys Under 19 – delayed d-t injury [John D Rockefeller VI (defending Champion) v Jack Paternotte]

 

Skills Level 2.5 (ladies only) – Vivian Sund / finalist = Mei-Lin Fegan

Skills Level 3.5 (ladies only) – Elisabeth Stout / finalist = Ayoni Roberts-Bradshaw

Skills Level 4.5 (ladies only) – Marisa Coleman / finalist = Susan Lawrence

Skills Level 2.5 (open) – Alexander Brandt / finalist = Robert Wilhide

Skills Level 3.5 (open) – Ace Noah Qi / finalist = Skylar Lawson

Skills Level 4.5 (open) – Mishael Abina / finalist = Ned Courtemanche

Skills Level 5.5 (open) – Chris Haley / finalist = Michael Betkowski

Skills Level 6.5/Open (open) – Wade Johnstone / finalist = John Rockefeller

 

Age Group – Womens 40+ - Susan Lawrence / finalist = Ayoni Roberts-Bradshaw

Age Group – Mens 40+ - Wade Johnstone / finalist = Ned Courtemanche

Age Group – Mens 50+ - Chris Haley / finalist = Emmett McGee

Age Group – Mens 70+ - Bob Travers / finalist = David Lott