England ace to set up in Los Angeles
By NATHAN CLARKE
Former World No.9 Adrian Grant has announced his retirement from professional squash following a 17 year career on the PSA World Tour.
The 35-year-old Kent star, who has lived most of his life in south London, lifted 21 titles from 34 finals on the World Tour and competed in 471 matches spread over 208 tournaments, winning 284, in an established and distinguished career.
Grant’s success extended onto the international scene with the Englishman winning a Gold and a Silver medal in the Doubles Events of the 2010 Delhi and 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, respectively, after teaming up with compatriot Nick Matthew.
He also helped England to their fifth World Team Squash Championship title three years ago, beating Egypt in the final.
Grant, whose last appearance on the PSA World Tour was in November’s World Championship, is joining Salming as a Global Brand & US Accounts Manager and will take up a position as the Head Pro at UCLA College in Los Angeles.
“It’s known that I haven’t been competing on the world tour for well over a year now, as I’ve been busy working on the next chapter in my life,” said Grant.
“I’m honoured to be given two opportunities. Firstly, joining the Salming team as the Global Brand & US Accounts Manager which is one of the most exciting, dynamic squash brands I’ve been involved with during my 17 years on tour.
“Also, as the Head Pro at UCLA college in Los Angeles, building the junior academy and school program. I thank them both for sharing the same vision in helping grow the sport to continued great heights in different ways.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank my family for investing so much of their time and resources since the day I picked up a racket aged eight. They are the back bone of everything I’ve achieved and, as with all pro athletes and the highs and lows, they have always been my support unit.
“To England Squash and The England Institute of Sport, which I feel has the best services in the world, without them my dreams of winning Tour, World Team and Commonwealth Games titles wouldn’t be possible.
“To My first coach, Allam Soliman, and most current, David Pearson and David Campion, who have all been instrumental in my development and professionalism towards the game on and off the court.
“I’m lucky to have the opportunity to give back to our great sport in ways that keep me involved at the high level which has given me so much and I’m excited about the next phase. I don’t see this as the end, but the continued journey into what has been my passion for so many years.
“To all the friends I’ve made around the world and fellow pro athletes thatIi’ve battled with, win or lose, we are all part of one of the best sports out there and, with the PSA’s and SQUASHTV’s innovation, I have no doubt it will keep growing from strength to strength.”
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