The Women’s Sports Foundation, founded in 1974 by tennis legend Billie Jean King to promote sports and physical activity for girls and women, held its Annual Salute to Women in Sports in mid-October. A two evening affair, with a Manhattan cruise on the first night and Gala dinner on the second, two of the athletes recognized in the “Grand March” (a segment of the Gala in which women champions from a wide variety of sports are introduced and given a moment of recognition on stage) were squash professionals, Narelle Krizek and Natalie Grainger.
“It was one of the best two nights of my life,” said Krizek. “To firstly be on a cruise and sit across from one of the best track and field Olympians—Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, 100m gold medalist and first African American hurdlest to win—was an amazing inspiration. I also sat with Angela Ruggiero, an Olympic Ice Hockey player who was on The Apprentice, and it was interesting to hear what goes on in famous athletes’ lives. A lot different from squash, but squash can be such a help to other young female athletes in America as we can help bring awareness to the Women’s Sports Foundation.”
Grainger, who was hobbled by a foot injury and sporting a boot, said, “I had a blast at the awards dinner. It was an awesome evening and event. It was both humbling and exciting to walk on and stand shoulder to shoulder with great athletes, some household names like Michelle Kwan, Laila Ali, Melanie Oudin, Shawn Johnson, Annika Sorenstam and, of course, to meet and chat with the great Billie Jean King was a highlight too.”
In addition to celebrating women’s sports, the Foundation also creates a network for athletes to link into for support and opportunities.
During the evening celebration, three athletes were recognized as Sportswoman of the Year (SOY). The individual winner was Courtney Kupets (Gymnastics, University of Georgia); Jessie Vetter (Ice Hockey, University of Wisconsin), team winner; and Tiffara Steward (Basketball, Farmingdale State University) was given the Wilma Rudolph Courage Award. The Gatorade Company was given the Billie Jean King Contribution Award for their 40-year dedication to the betterment of girls’ and women’s’ athletics.
For more on the evening, including additional comments from Krizek and Grainger, visit SquashMagazine.com.
