Sarah-Jane Perry will end her career in her home city after she announced her retirement ahead of the upcoming British Open in Birmingham.
The 35-year-old won her 100th cap during England’s recent European Team Championship win in Poland and now the three-time British national champion and former world No.5 will say goodbye at the sport’s most prestigious event.
“It doesn’t get much better than finishing like that, both personally with a win and an extremely hard-fought England team victory,” said Perry.
“The main emotion afterwards was just pride. I’m very proud of playing in 100 matches for England, especially as we’re such a strong squash nation. I haven’t had time yet to think about all my years in an England shirt, but I’m sure I’ll reflect more once I’ve finished playing after the British Open.
“Every time you play for England is special. Squash is an individual sport and most of the time you’re playing for your own interests. Being part of a team doesn’t happen all that often, so they are moments I’ll really cherish.”
Perry, who will now step into coaching, has also represented her country at two Commonwealth Games – on the Gold Coast in 2018 and in her hometown of Birmingham in 2022 – bringing home two silver medals and a bronze.
On tour she won back-to-back titles at the NetSuite Open in San Francisco (2017 and 2018) and then blitzing to Black Ball Open success in Cairo in 2020, where she overcame Camille Serme, Joelle King, and Hania El Hammamy – and battled back from two games down in the final to seize victory.
“The Black Ball win was the ultimate proof that I could do what a lot of people said I couldn’t – get to a physical level when I can put together victories back-to-back,” said Perry.
“My first San Francisco title was also particularly special as my nan had just passed away and she was a very big part of my life.”
Over the past six years, she has served as Women’s President and Board member of the PSA, as well as sitting on the Athletes’ Advisory Committee for Birmingham 2022 – playing a pivotal role in shaping the sport’s future.
“Joining the PSA Board was a steep learning curve but I’ve found it rewarding,” she reflected. “Leaving the sport in a better place than where you found it is really important and I think that’s what I’ve achieved.”
Chris Robertson, Talent and Performance Strategic Lead at England Squash, said: “SJ has had a remarkable career and been an inspiration for England Squash in many ways. From being part of our World Teams and European successes to breaking into the top echelon of the world’s best players when many thought she couldn’t.
“Every player needs to back themselves and SJ had the belief, despite many challenges, and for that reason alone she has been a great role model for our next generation. I am sure she will take this confidence into the next chapter of her life.’’
Her long-time coach Rob Owen, who has guided her through the latter stages of her career, said: “SJ is one of the most talented people I’ve ever worked with. She played squash how I like it to be played; with flair, imagination and skill.
“She’s a real character, a unique individual. She challenges me as a coach, she’s very caring, bright and thoughtful. She is a fascinating character and I wouldn’t change a minute of the eight years we’ve worked together. Whatever she does next in the game, she will be a huge asset.”