Trish Campbell of Parksville is one of two British Columbian women named female leaders in the sport of squash.
Campbell was selected from a highly competitive roster of women across B.C. who championed the sport of squash during the province-wide women’s squash week last September.
In winning the Emerging Leader honour, a $500 grant was awarded for Campbell’s squash club, the Bayside Quality Inn Racquets Club, who will use the funds to further enhance programs for woman and girls.
“Trish has played a major role in the success of our club and Women’s Squash Week,” said Jan Townend, also a member of the local squash club. “She has been instrumental in inspiring new members step onto the court.”
The $500 grant has come at a good time when the club is on an upswing.
“This was not the case in 2018. We were losing members due to the loss of the sports bar which was used as a real social hub for our highly social sport,” said the squash veteran of 35 years.
“This year we took advantage of the promotional tools and momentum Squash BC and Women’s Squash Week offers and really worked it in the community.”
READ MORE: Parksville club celebrates Women Squash Week
The efforts by both Campbell and Townend paid off as the membership has doubled since last year and this has re-energized the members tremendously.
The Emerging Leader program was established in 2018 as a strategic initiative to attract and retain women and girls in squash and the local champion strategy proved to be successful in increasing participation.
“The nominees for Squash BC’s 2020 Emerging Female Leader proved to be outstanding leaders in their communities in promoting squash to women and girls. Clubs rely on their volunteer hours to organize events such as women’s squash clinics, leagues, fun tournaments and socials. We really appreciate the time and effort from these individuals to connect with the squash community,” said Shelley Neil, chair of the Women & Girls in Squash Committee.
A positive sign of the Parksville Bayside Squash Club’s revival, was the tournament they held for the first time in about 15 years, the Ladies Valentine Tournament on Feb. 15, at the Bayside Oceanfront Resort.
The club currently has 50 members that include 14 ladies ranging from ages 25 to 74, who competed in the ladder tournament.
The winner was Anne Crossley, who beat Laura Morgantini in the final match. Claudia Hand was the consolation round winner with Kelly Francis finishing second.
On March 28, the club will be hosting an April Fool’s squash tournament.
Entry fee is $10. The deadline to enter is March 10. Email thecolemanfamily@shaw.ca to register.
For more information on the squash club, please contact Bruce Adkins (250)248-8724 or Trish Campbell (250)744-0528. Ladies drop-in squash is every Monday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
— NEWS Staff, submitted