By Jeannie Blasberg
One of the joys of being Board Chair of US Squash is the opportunity to recognize people who have generously given of themselves to the game and to our Association. The President’s Cup is awarded annually to the person who has made substantial contributions to the game of squash. On February 17, during the evening award ceremony at the collegiate Howe Cup for women in New Haven, I was pleased to award the 2006 President’s Cup to the Yale Women’s and Men’s Coach, Dave Talbott.
Talbott (or Dave as he is known by all) has been involved in squash for decades and his career has spanned a variety of roles as player, coach and administrator. He had a distinguished playing career as a professional, obtaining a ranking of No. 12 in North America. He also won the 1989 and 1990 World Professional Squash Association’s Legends Championship.
Dave has coached the Men’s Team at Yale for 24 years and, since his brother Mark departed to Stanford, has also coached the Women’s Team for the last three seasons. Yale’s teams are perennial contenders, having earned two Men’s National titles (’89, ’90) and two Women’s National titles (‘05, ’06) under Dave.
Not one to shy away from challenges, Dave has also served in leadership roles at the World Professional Squash Association and the Intercollegiate Association and has played an inspirational role in encouraging new college programs to develop across the country. Under Dave’s tenure, Yale University has also played host to countless National Championships, including nine just since 2002.
Searching for what will perhaps be a crowning achievement, Dave has played a central role in the founding of Squash Haven, the New Haven urban squash youth enrichment program which will begin serving the community this fall.
