New post in Chicago for England ace
By DONNA HELMER
Emma Beddoes, the former world no.11, has announced her retirement from squash after more than nine years competing on the professional scene.
The 30 year-old, who turned pro in 2007, last played at the US Open in October 2015. Born in Leamington Spa, Beddoes was a consistent and popular face on the PSA World Tour lifting 10 titles from 16 finals.
Beddoes’ success extended onto the international scene with the Englishwoman clocking up 25 caps for England and winning a bronze medal in the 2014 Commonwealth Games Women’s Doubles alongside Alison Waters. She also helped England to their seventh World Team Squash Championship title two years ago, beating Malaysia in the final.
Announcing her retirement on her athlete Facebook page, Emma commented: “After nearly nine years, I am announcing my retirement from professional squash. It’s hard to know where to begin really but what an absolute pleasure it has been to compete as a professional athlete over that time in the best sport with the best people.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have had the career I’ve had, to have travelled the world, stayed in people’s houses and made friends with people from all countries and walks of life. Squash is such a unique sport in that way and I hope it never changes. So to anyone who has ever housed me, supported me or played me along the way, I just want to say thank you.
“Without a doubt, my best memories are all the team events I have played, and a shout out goes to my partner Alison Waters for that emotional bronze at the Commonwealth. What a week it was winning the World Teams with my England teammates and so many great times playing for Gauteng at the Jarvis Cup (without a doubt the most fun you can have on and off a squash court!).
Emma will be embarking on a new career in the summer as Squash and Wellness Director at MetroSquash, the urban squash programme in Chicago.
Emma commented: “I have long been an admirer of the urban squash programmes in the US which help inner city kids in many cities with after-school classes and squash coaching. I have a passion for the role squash and education can play in helping the lives of those less fortunate and I can’t wait to get started.”
Commenting on her retirement, Chris Robertson, England Squash National Coach, said: “To play for Team England was the pinnacle of Emma’s squash career, and as a result, she played with a huge passion, mountains of desire and a fierce determination that forged success at World Team and Commonwealth levels for England.
“While this is fantastic in its own right, Emma will also be remembered for being that England competitor who never gave up, who was fair and honest and embodied the values of a real sporting contest. When you can leave those memories behind you, know you’ve had a successful career.”
Tom Duggan, England Squash Director of Performance, added: “Emma is a role model and great example to young players of how you can get a degree and then go on to have a world-class professional squash career.
“Her wholehearted commitment meant that whenever you selected Emma to play for England, you knew exactly the level of performance you would get from her.
“Her tenacity, competitiveness and will to win were crucial in her winning the Commonwealth bronze medal at Glasgow and then being a part of the England team who regained the Women’s World Team title in Niagara in 2014.”
Picture courtesy of England Squash