US Squash is proud to announce that the grand opening of the Peggy & Leo Pierce U.S. Squash Hall of Fame will be held in conjunction with the 2022 U.S. Masters Squash Championships, April 1-3, at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center in Philadelphia. The highlight of the weekend—on the evening of April 2—will be the dedication of the spectacular new Peggy & Leo Pierce U.S. Squash Hall of Fame space at the Specter Center and the induction of a new class of inductees to join the current sixty-five members of the Hall of Fame.
“There is no higher honor in the sport than membership in the Hall of Fame,” said Kevin Klipstein, US Squash President & CEO. “The Hall of Fame’s permanent home in the Specter Center, made possible through the generosity of the Pierce Family, will meaningfully celebrate the far-reaching impact that inductees have had on the sport’s past and future. As the Hall of Fame moves into this new era, we also are grateful Yale University for acting as a wonderful host for the last fifteen years.”
As part of the weekend, US Squash will welcome all current members of the Hall of Fame, as well as the families of those who have passed away. Through hosting the grand opening during the Masters, many of the country’s most passionate players from all age divisions will be present to mark the occasion (players can register to compete in the Masters here). The entire U.S. squash community will be welcome; registration details will be released in the coming month.
The Peggy & Leo Pierce U.S. Squash Hall of Fame will occupy special space on western side of the mezzanine level of the Specter Center. It will feature exhibits, photographs, memorabilia and interactive displays that tell the story of squash in America through the excellence showcased by those in the Hall of Fame.
“The Peggy & Leo Pierce U.S. Squash Hall of Fame will beautifully present the sport’s rich history,” said Ned Edwards, U.S. Squash Hall of Fame member and Specter Center Executive Director. “The Hall of Fame is a perfect bedrock for the Specter Center which will lead squash in creating an illustrious future.”
The U.S. Squash Hall of Fame chronicles, celebrates and preserves the history of U.S. squash. The Hall of Fame was created in 2000, and under the leadership of former US Squash board chair Charles C. Kingsley, fifteen of the top players of all-time to joined its inaugural class. Originally located at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia, the Hall of Fame was generously housed between 2007 and 2022 at the Nicholas F. Brady Squash Center in Yale’s Payne Whitney Gymnasium before its current transition to the Specter Center. Inductees to the Hall of Fame include the greatest players, most inspiring coaches, and leaders in the history of squash in America. The Hall of Fame encompasses the whole game, from the earliest years of the nineteenth century to the popular sport enjoyed today across the country. The Hall of Fame pays tribute to the talents and triumphs of squash legends: the nail-biting matches, the incredible comebacks, the extraordinary wins. Hall of Famers represent the most important, transformative people in our game. Forever enshrined, U.S. Squash Hall of Famers inspire everyone to strive for excellence.