Squash Ontario is happy to announce the male and female recipients of the 2022 Robert Brooks Scholarship, Josh Kay and Amal Izhar. The Robert Brooks Squash Scholarship was established by the Braff family and friends to offer financial support to graduating Ontario secondary school students who have excelled in both school and squash.
The successful recipients of the scholarship have continually shown passion and sportsmanship, both on and off the court, and are entering higher education. Recipients will have demonstrated a long-time commitment to the programming of Squash Ontario. Both Josh and Amal had impressive junior careers and acted as great role models for their younger peers, which also contributed to them winning the Jim Mason Fair Play Award at this season's junior awards banquet.
Josh Kay joined the Squash Ontario community from a very young age and some career highlights include winning the Boys Under 19 Provincial Championship this past season, 2020 Junior Doubles Champion and multiple Gold tournament wins. He also captained his team to victory at the Jim Mason Cup high school event. Josh will be attending the University of Western Ontario in the fall to study Business and plans to play on their men's squash team.
When asked about the impact Rob Brooks has had on his junior career, Josh said “I always looked forward to and valued seeing Rob at every squash tournament. To have the opportunity to shake his hand and have a good conversation with him ever since I was 10 years old is something I am grateful for. And of course getting another dream of mine, the Jim Mason Award, presented to me by Rob will be a memory from squash I’ll remember forever.”
Amal Izhar is one of Ontario's top female players with a very impressive resume. A few successes from this past year include winning her first PSA tournament - 2022 Quebec Open, receiving the Jim Mason Fair Play Award and representing Team Canada at the Pan American Squash Championships in Guatemala. In the fall, Amal will be attending the prestigious Columbia University in New York City is planning on studying Neuroscience and Behavior, while playing on their women's squash team.
Amal only had great things to say about her interactions with Rob Brooks, saying "I am so truly honored to have been selected to receive the Rob Brooks Scholarship, especially because he has been an integral part of my squash journey. I looked forward to playing tournaments at the Executive Fitness club where Rob's presence was always warm and welcoming. Each time I remember him sharing his observations about my game to help me excel. I greatly admire and appreciate how Rob has continued to be part of our lives by taking out the time to come to tournaments."
Squash Ontario wishes Amal and Josh the best of luck at University and we can't wait to follow along throughout their post-secondary squash careers!