Natalie Grainger, the recently married former world number one who retired from the WISPA World Tour in December, is standing down as President of WISPA (Women’s International Squash Players’ Association) with immediate effect.
“WISPA has been part of my life for so long, fifteen years as a touring player, thirteen as a board member and eight years as WISPA President,” said the US-based 33-year-old in her resignation letter to the Association’s members.
“But I have a fantastic opportunity awaiting me. I have begun work on a project for Chelsea Piers New York. Chelsea Piers is opening a huge facility in Stamford, CT, which will include two ice rinks, an Olympic pool, gymnastics arena, batting cages, basketball courts, a full-sized soccer field, trampoline area and climbing wall, seven tennis courts and – the most exciting part – eleven squash courts and a hardball doubles court.
“Chelsea Piers has also agreed to purchase an all-glass court, which we can erect for major championships – so perhaps many of you will be passing through my doors in the near future,” added Grainger, who won 23 WISPA World Tour titles throughout her illustrious career – and clinched her fifth successive US national title this weekend!
In paying tribute to the outstanding contribution Grainger has made to WISPA, Chairman Ingrid Lofdahl-Bentzer said: “WISPA has been incredibly lucky to have profited from Natalie’s enthusiasm, energy and love for the game of squash during such a long time.
“Her willingness and enthusiasm to work relentlessly to help WISPA reach a level of professionalism and recognition has been pivotal and she is leaving a great legacy.
“She will be sorely missed, both on and off court, by her fans, of which I am one of the many. The Board wishes her all the best of luck in whatever she chooses to lend her numerous talents to.”
Vice-President Jaclyn Hawkes will be acting President during the interim period.
“It has been and is a privilege to be a Board member as well as the WISPA Vice-President during Natalie’s tenure,” said the world No15 from New Zealand. “She has worked unbelievably hard for our organisation and hers will be very tough shoes to fill.
“It is an honour to be the acting President, a position which I will embrace.”
Natalie Grainger‘s resignation letter can be seen in full on www.wispa.net
