The Tournament of Champions Women’s Leadership Program will shine a spotlight on one of the sport’s most influential leaders this winter. On Friday, January 23, 2026, the program will honor Zena Wooldridge OBE at its 13th annual gathering at the Yale Club of New York City. Wooldridge, President of the World Squash Federation, has been a driving force behind squash’s historic inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games.
Founded in 2014, the Women’s Leadership Program supports female athletes, women who lead, and equality. Each year, the event brings together leaders from sport, business, and beyond to celebrate trailblazers whose accomplishments inspire the global squash community and wider world.
Adding to the occasion, the 2026 Program Committee will feature U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (New York) as its Honorary Chair, underscoring the program’s growing visibility and prominence.
About Zena Wooldridge
Zena is an experienced leader in sports management with a distinguished 35-year career, primarily in the university sector, where she combined her passions for sport, education, and leadership. She began her squash journey as a student and club captain at the University of Warwick and later held senior roles at Loughborough and the University of Birmingham. At Birmingham, she spearheaded major sport facility developments that played a pivotal role in the city’s hosting of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Her leadership extends from grassroots development to the international stage. She has served as Chair of England Squash, President of European Squash, and now as President of the World Squash Federation. In 2009, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to sport. Today, Zena is one of only four women leading an International Federation included in the LA28 Olympic program, a milestone that underscores her impact on the global sports community.
Supporting the CSA
For the third consecutive year, the College Squash Association (CSA) is honored to be the beneficiary of the Women’s Leadership Program. Proceeds from the event directly support initiatives that strengthen opportunities for women in college squash.
College squash is both competitive and communal. It combines the pursuit of excellence with the bonds formed through teamwork. That dynamic creates belonging, camaraderie, and respect that endures long after college.
With support from the Women’s Leadership Program, the CSA is expanding varsity and club opportunities for women, supporting athletes through the recruiting process, and developing more female coaches and leaders. Just as importantly, this work helps women stay connected to the sport after college, as mentors, coaches, and advocates, ensuring that future players can share in the transformative experience of being part of a college team.
Event Information
Tickets and additional details are available below. Join us as we celebrate Zena Wooldridge’s extraordinary contributions and continue building momentum for women’s leadership in squash.
