Graduating seniors Emily Rose and Eric Kim received the 2018 DeRoy Sportsmanship Awards during the inaugural US Squash Junior Awards Dinner Saturday night at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The DeRoy Sportsmanship Award is given to one female and one male high school senior who displays exemplary on and off court behavior while competing at a high level in squash.
Rose has represented Team USA at the British Junior Open, Pan American Junior Championships and the Battle of the Border. The Greenwich, Connecticut-native will attend Princeton in the fall.
“The coaches I’ve had have always prioritized sportsmanship as a pillar of being a good squash player,” Rose said. “It’s just as important in building relationships, especially in a world so small like junior squash. I know it’s easy to get riled up about a certain call or situation in a match, but just put it all in perspective and move on. You and your opponent will both have a more positive experience.”
Kim represented Team USA in the last two World Junior Championships and the 2018 British Junior Open. The Phoenixville, Pennsylvania-native will attend Yale in the fall.
“Growing up since U11’s, both my parents and coaches have taught me that how you carry yourself on court is more important than the outcome of the match,” Kim said. “Regardless of whether you’re winning or losing, you need to play with respect.”
The DeRoy Sportsmanship Award has been bestowed every year since 1998.
