Last year, Carole Grunberg declared that the 2008 championship was her last Howe Cup.
“I am too old and this is just too hard,” she said at the time, after a grueling weekend of play on the National Capitol A team. But the lure of Howe Cup proved hard to resist, and the 55-year-old-veteran returned to competition on the National Capitol B team this year. Her love of the game and commitment to the sport was recognized when Grunberg was presented the Women’s Achievement Bowl, given annually to the woman who makes the most notable contribution to the sportsmanship of squash and advancement of the game.
“I am just flabbergasted,” said Grunberg after being presented with the award at the Howe Cup Saturday night party in October. Grunberg began playing squash at Vassar College, where she captained the team in her senior year. She won three National Championships in the 40+ age group, and has represented DC in Howe Cup competition for more than 20 years. A tough and eminently fair competitor, Carole always gives her all on the squash court.
She also is giving back off the court. After retiring from a long career on Capitol Hill which culminated as Legislative Director for US Senator Ron Wyden for over 10 years, Carole is finding great joy as coach and tutor at the DC Squash Academy, an after-school youth enrichment program that uses the game of squash to change children’s lives.
Amy Milanek was equally surprised when her name was announced as the recipient of the Wedgewood Sportsmanship Award for exemplary sportsmanship on and off the court throughout the season. Milanek got her squash start in the storied Merion Cricket Club junior program. After playing at Middlebury College, Milanek set off on the WISPA tour and achieved a world ranking of No. 28. She spent some time teaching squash in California and Las Vegas before returning to Philadelphia where she now coaches at the Berwyn Squash Club. Also an avid doubles player, Amy has organized several squash tournaments including the Bright Lights Las Vegas Open and the Liberty Bell Open in Berwyn. This year, she organized the Philadelphia Howe Cup teams. Whether playing singles or doubles, organizing tournaments or encouraging and coaching players, Amy always brings her A game, including her trademark bright smile, love of the sport and commitment to sporting and fair play.
