Women’s Doubles Squash Association Launched

Some of the players joining the WDSA tour will be (L-R) Fiona Geaves, Stephanie Hewitt, Meredeth Quick and Narelle Krizek.
Some of the players joining the WDSA tour will be (L-R) Fiona Geaves, Stephanie Hewitt, Meredeth Quick and Narelle Krizek.

After a successful women’s doubles and mixed doubles event in Denver, CO, last spring, Narelle Krizek had an epiphany—there’s PSA, WISPA and ISDA, so why not WDSA? “We want to increase the number of women playing professional doubles, foster and build women’s doubles at the amateur level and also give something back to the game by establishing relationships with local charities,” said the WDSA founder. “Due to the success of the Briggs Cup, which supports CitySquash, it was obvious to my husband [Rob] and I to link all of our events with local urban programs or with programs helping junior squash.”

To date, three tournaments are on board with the WDSA including the Field Club Open ($20,000 event in Greenwich, CT, Nov. 16-18), Cincinnati ($30,000 event, tentatively scheduled for Jan. 4-6, 2008) and Denver ($10,000 event, Feb. 28-Mar. 3, 2008). The Field Club Open will support Squash Haven, the urban program in New Haven, CT.

Though the Association is in its fledgling stages, there are already eight ladies who have paid to join, another 15 who have said they are sending in their applications and Krizek is looking for another 20 since not everyone will be able to participate in every event. The obvious target for Krizek is college players and current or former touring pros. “Because it’s just getting off the ground, we haven’t had a lot of time to recruit players,” said Krizek. “But we want to spread the word to the college players, teaching pros and players on the WISPA tour about this fabulous game and the potential it has for a professional tour.”

Harrow Sports and New England Land Company have jumped on board as sponsors, and other cities giving consideration to hosting events include San Francisco and Boston.