Viktor Berg Named 2026 Recipient of the US Squash Stanley D. Woodworth Sportsmanship Award
Squash BC is proud to congratulate Viktor Berg, who was selected as the 2026 recipient of the Stanley D. Woodworth Sportsmanship Award from US Squash.
The Stanley D. Woodworth Award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to squash in the Pacific Coast region, exemplifying consistent and valued play, leadership in administration, meaningful contribution to the sport, and an unwavering commitment to fair play and sportsmanship. Viktor Berg embodies every one of these ideals.
A Leader on and off the Court
Viktor’s impact on the squash community spans competitive excellence, event leadership, and community building. His standard of play and conduct has long reflected the spirit of sportsmanship that defines the Stanley D. Woodworth Award.
Viktor’s journey in squash is one defined first by elite performance, and then by an even greater legacy of service. He stepped away from competitive play at the height of his career, having reached World #1 in Hardball Doubles and World #44 on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) tour in softball. Few athletes exit the competitive arena at such a pinnacle — and even fewer go on to shape the future of the sport as profoundly as Viktor has.
Rather than stepping away from squash, Viktor redirected his passion into coaching, leadership, and community building. What followed has been years of tireless contribution to the growth, professionalism, and spirit of squash across British Columbia, Canada, and the Pacific Coast region.
In recent years, Viktor has organized numerous local singles and doubles tournaments. He was the Tournament Director for a very successful Pacific Coast Doubles Championships in 2025 held in Vancouver, which saw players travel from Alberta and from across the US pacific regions such as LA, San Francisco, Portland and Denver.
Viktor was Tournament Director for the highly successful 2022 Canadian Singles Championships — an event that set a new benchmark for Canadian squash. That championship required collaboration with multiple clubs to support a record number of entries, the installation of a glass court in downtown Vancouver, extensive fundraising, and national-level coordination. Through these efforts, Viktor secured a national sponsor for Squash Canada’s Power Glass Court tours, a partnership that continues to benefit Canadian squash today.
That same sponsorship has helped to create growth with Vancouver’s PSA Men’s and Women’s Copper events, now entering its third year for women and fifth year for men, featuring some of the world’s top players — including several ranked inside the world top 25. Each year, Viktor leads the immense logistical effort required: hosting athletes, coordinating WSO referees, organizing billets, and running parallel amateur events to create an electrifying atmosphere that unites the entire squash community.
Growing the Game at Every Level
As Head Coach at Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club since 2018, Viktor transformed a newly renovated but lightly programmed squash centre into one of the most vibrant squash communities in the country. Today, the program supports over 65 juniors on a weekly basis, along with a full slate of adult social, league, and competitive events in both singles and doubles.
Viktor’s successful junior development program continues to inspire the next generation of players, while his passion for inclusion and innovation has strengthened female participation, league engagement, and community connection.
One coach shared:
“Viktor gave me the opportunity to lead a female-focused program, growing our drop-in group from three women to over twenty. His mentorship and openness allowed us to create new pathways, including a Women’s Rookie event and special community sessions during PSA week. None of this would have been possible without his trust and support.”
A Champion of Community and Sportsmanship
Those who work alongside Viktor consistently highlight his thoughtful leadership, tireless work ethic, and genuine care for people.
From meticulous tournament planning to quiet words of encouragement after a tough match, Viktor places the long-term health of squash above all else. He challenges the status quo, seeks better solutions, and keeps the focus firmly on growing the sport in a positive, inclusive way.
His collaborative work with Squash BC and Club Pros on league participation, youth engagement, and tournament development further demonstrates his commitment to strengthening squash across the province.
A Truly Deserving Recipient
The Stanley D. Woodworth Sportsmanship Award honour’s those who elevate the sport not only through achievement, but through character. Viktor Berg’s dedication, leadership, humility, and vision have left a lasting impact on squash in British Columbia and across the Pacific Coast region.
Squash BC congratulates Viktor on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his extraordinary contributions to our sport and community.
