Josh Taylor Takes on New Role as Squash Academy Director at The St. James

Josh Taylor Takes The Helm at The St. James Squash Academy

The St. James Performance Academy has made a significant leadership change by announcing the appointment of Josh Taylor as the Director of their squash academy teams. Bringing a wealth of experience and a successful track record in player development, Taylor aims to elevate the stature of squash at The St. James, fostering the sport's growth from grassroots to elite levels.

Originally hailing from England, Taylor's squash journey spans over a decade where he has played pivotal roles in various coaching capacities. He was the Talent Pathway Lead for England Squash and served as the Head Coach at the National Squash Center in Manchester. His contributions have led to remarkable successes, including Team England's victory at the 2022 World Junior Championship and the coaching of multiple junior champions. Taylor has also been instrumental in facilitating the transition of numerous young athletes to collegiate squash, aiding their acceptance into prestigious institutions.

Elyse Graziano, Chief Sports Officer at The St. James, praises Taylor’s expertise, stating, "Josh Taylor is an exceptional addition to our Performance Academy, bringing an unmatched level of expertise and experience in squash player development." With an array of international and national coaching experience under his belt, Taylor is poised to enhance The St. James squash program significantly.

As part of this new direction, The St. James Performance Academy is set to introduce specialized squash teams for various educational levels, from elementary through postgraduate. This initiative will provide young athletes with competitive opportunities designed to develop their skills. The teams will participate in regional and national tournaments, with an emphasis on elite coaching, strength training, and comprehensive player development.

The facilities at The St. James are top-notch, featuring eight international squash courts specifically designed for training and competition. In addition, the academy promotes a holistic approach to athlete development, combining mental resilience training, recovery techniques, and nutrition support. Facilities also include advanced strength and conditioning programs tailored for squash athletes, alongside recovery resources like cryotherapy and spa services.

Taylor’s coaching strategy emphasizes nurturing the complete player, encouraging both technical proficiency and mental fortitude. His commitment to developing talent aligns with his goal of impacting American squash positively while preparing athletes for collegiate and professional competitions.

"I am incredibly excited to launch Academy teams and build an unmatched squash program," Taylor shared. His focus on growing the sport and nurturing a high-performance environment underlines his passion for coaching. With Taylor at the forefront, he joins forces with esteemed colleagues Darryl Overton and Steve Bumbry, further solidifying a talented coaching staff committed to excellence in the academy's programs.

Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open, with specific evaluation days scheduled for prospective students. For those interested, more comprehensive information and details can be found at The St. James Academy’s website.

In conclusion, Josh Taylor's appointment as the Director of the squash program represents a forward-thinking strategy for The St. James, promising a bright future for squash athletes under dedicated and experienced leadership.