The Buffalo squash community came together this past week for one of the most anticipated events of the season—the 2025 BSRA Year-End Celebration. Held at the Saturn Club, the night was a joyful culmination of a season filled with growth, fierce competition, and deep community connection.
Hosted by BSRA President Chris Saeli, the evening celebrated the hard work, sportsmanship, and achievements of players across all levels—from juniors and league players to city champions and long-time contributors to the game.
Celebrating Our Champions
This year’s City Tournament showcased some of the most exciting squash Buffalo has seen in recent memory. Congratulations to all the competitors who brought their best to the court!
City A Champion: Tommy Sheehan
Finalist: Jonatan Gallen-Kallela-Siren
City B Champion: Sean Broderick
Finalist: Cordelia Hsu (default)
City C Champion: Joshua Mercurio
Finalist: Jared Aldstadt
City D Champion: Chase Martin
Finalist: Joseph Jebereza
40+ and 50+ Champion: David Pfalzgraf
Finalist: Gui Alvarez
Women’s City A Champion: Petra DeRose
Finalist: Cara DeRose
Women’s City B Champion: Danielle Larrabee
Finalist: Megan Sheehan
Women’s City C Champion: Kendyl Kratzer
Finalist: Erin Grifs (default)
Women’s 40+ Champion: Rebecca Brady
Finalist: Jamie Perry
Junior Tournament Winners
The winners spanned various age groups, highlighting the depth of talent among Buffalo’s rising squash stars. Special shoutouts to:
Junior Girls U11
Winner: Amelia Cipolla
Finalist: June Schwinger
Junior Girls U13
Winner: Clara Honeine
Finalist: Gabriella Nieves
Junior Girls U15
Winner: Amaya Muller
Finalist: Daniell Bitsindou
Junior Girls U17
Winner: Cordelia Hsu
Finalist: Meghan Sheehan
Junior Girls U19
Winner: Snow Queen
Finalist: Deliah Winker
Junior Boys U11
Winner: Watson Shi
Finalist: Samiule Alterio
Junior Boys U13
Winner: Day Light
Finalist: Ryan Mang
Junior Boys U15
Winner: Adam Abraham
Finalist: Jack Richards
Junior Boys U17
Winner: Joshua Mercurio
Finalist: Max Bruce
Junior Boys U19
Winner: Tommy Sheehan
Finalist: Jonatan Gallen-Kallela-Siren
Doubles & League Winners
Buffalo’s doubles and league play continues to thrive, with fierce and fun matchups throughout the season:
City A Doubles Champions: Charlie Barth / Bo Gurney
City B Doubles Champions: David & Jack Pfalzgraf
City Mixed Doubles Champions: Charlie Barth / Pamicka Marinello
Women’s City A Doubles Champions: Petra & Cara DeRose
Women’s City B Doubles: Danielle Larrabee / Sarah Denman
A/B League Champions: NAAC/T&S
C League Champions: Canisius High School
D League Champions: 716 Squash
High School League Champions
Boys: Nichols School | Girls: Nardin Academy
Award Winners: Honoring Leadership, Sportsmanship & Legacy
Each year, BSRA recognizes those whose efforts go above and beyond the court:
Junior Achievement Awards: Cordelia Hsu & Tommy Sheehan
Coach’s Service Award: David Pfalzgraf
Spirit of the Game: Alan Jay
BSRA Adult Achievement Award: Sally Russell
And just when everyone thought the evening had wrapped up, one more surprise was in store.
A National Surprise for a Local Legend
As the program came to a close, Carey Anderson, a member of the US Squash Board of Directors, stepped up to the mic. In a powerful speech, she touched on exciting national progress for the sport—including squash’s upcoming debut in the 2028 Olympic Games, growth at the Specter Center, and the remarkable energy coming from local squash communities like Buffalo.
Then, in a truly memorable moment, Carey called Sally Russell back to the stage and presented her with the US Squash Achievement Bowl, the oldest and most prestigious women’s award in US Squash.
Awarded by the US Squash Women’s Committee, the Achievement Bowl recognizes individuals who have made notable and lasting contributions to the advancement of women’s squash. For over 50 years, Sally has been the heart of squash in Buffalo—leading, mentoring, organizing, and most importantly, welcoming generations of players into the sport.
A warm round of applause filled the room as a video message from Kim Clearkin, Chief Programs Officer at US Squash, played in tribute to Sally and her extraordinary legacy.
Looking Ahead
From celebrating fierce competitors and supportive teammates to honoring local legends, the 2025 BSRA Year-End Celebration was a reminder of the strength and spirit of the Buffalo squash community.
Thank you to everyone who made this season a success—from players and parents to coaches, volunteers, and supporters. Here’s to another great year ahead!
