10 Sep 07 - Franklin & Marshall Names White Head Squash Coach

World ranked professional to assume post in October

LANCASTER, Pa. - Franklin & Marshall College has named John White Director of Squash and Head Men's and Women's Squash Coach. Formerly the top-ranked player in the world, White remains a top-ten player in the Dunlop / Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Rankings, having been ranked ninth in the world in the latest release.

"Franklin & Marshall College is extremely fortunate to bring such a remarkable person and talented athlete to Lancaster," said Franklin & Marshall President John Fry. "Our students will have a unique opportunity to train with one of the world's greatest squash players. I know John will help bring our squash teams to premier status, and in doing so will build on the great legacy of our storied squash program."

A native of Queensland, Australia and a Scottish national, White has 12 PSA tour titles to his credit since becoming a full-time professional in 1991. He broke into the top 20 in the world rankings in 1998, and climbed his way to the top of the tour, reaching number one in the world in March of 2004.

White has remained one of squash's most consistent players over the past decade. He has been ranked in the world's top ten for 72 months of his professional career, including a 46 month string from March of 2001 through December of 2004. He has been ranked in top 20 in each of the past 99 months, and 106 of the past 107 months. He picked up his first professional tournament win on the Italian Circuit in May of 1997, and has claimed victories in several high-profile events including the 2003 PSA Masters in Qatar, where he defeated sixth-ranked, Thierry Lincou, 3-0. He followed that victory with a win in the Prince English Open in August 2003, knocking off Canada's Jonathan Power 3-1 in the championship final. In December 1998, White won the Scottish National Championship and went on to represent his country in the 1999 European Championships, the World Cup, and World Team Championships. He was the runner-up in the British and World Open in 2002, and returned to the British Open finals earlier this year.

White moved to the United States in 2005. He has since reached the finals of seven PSA Tour events, winning four tournaments in 2006: The Dayton Open, The Virginia Pro Championship, The Motor City Open and Baltimore City Open.

In addition to his myriad accomplishments, White is regarded as squash's hardest hitter. That was confirmed when one of White's shots was clocked at 172 miles per hour, which remains a world record.

"I couldn't be more pleased that John has decided to join us at Franklin & Marshall," said Director of Athletics and Recreation, Patricia S.W. Epps. "The opportunity to train under a world class athlete is rare, but one that will be afforded to our student-athletes. His arrival will provide a surge to the rapidly growing Lancaster Squash community."

Franklin & Marshall is at the center of the sport's growth in Lancaster. The College has aided in the founding of Lancaster Country Day School's program and serves as the school's home courts. Also making use of Franklin & Marshall's facilities are members of the Lancaster Squash Association.

"I am very happy to join the Franklin & Marshall family," said White. "I look forward to jumping on board and taking the team to the highest level at which we can achieve. Having played both individually and in team settings, I understand the dynamics of both, and believe sharing my experiences will aid the team as we attempt to return Franklin & Marshall to the upper echelon of the college squash ranks."

White and his wife Susie, reside in Exton, Pa., with their four children. He will assume his new role in Lancaster in October.