Josh Taylor Appointed Head of Squash Academy Teams at The St. James

World-renowned coach brings elite squash training experience to The St. James Performance Academy

SPRINGFIELD, Va., Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The St. James Performance Academy is proud to announce Josh Taylor's expanded role as the Director of The St. James Performance Academy Squash teams. A highly accomplished teacher with international coaching and playing experience, Josh brings a proven track record in player development, a deep understanding of squash, and a passion for growing the sport at all levels.

Originally from England, Taylor has spent over a decade developing successful squash programs, serving as the Talent Pathway Lead for England Squash and Head Coach of the National Squash Center in Manchester. He was instrumental in Team England's 2022 World Junior Championship title and has coached elite athletes, including two British Junior Open champions and the 2024 CSA Individual National Champion. Over the past two years, Taylor has helped more than a dozen scholastic squash student-athletes reach the collegiate level with acceptance into some of the top colleges and universities. His success developing competitive athletes has earned him recognition at every level of the game domestically and also on the PSA World Tour, as he has worked with top-ranked players such as Jasmine Hutton, Joel Makin and Nick Wall, among others.

"Josh Taylor is an exceptional addition to our Performance Academy, bringing an unmatched level of expertise and experience in squash player development," said Elyse Graziano, Chief Sports Officer at The St. James. "His leadership in national and international squash programs, combined with his ability to cultivate talent, will elevate our squash program and provide our athletes with the resources needed to reach the top levels of the sport."

As part of this expansion, The St. James Performance Academy will introduce elementary, middle school, high school and post-graduate squash teams, providing promising athletes with competitive opportunities at the appropriate level while developing their skills. These teams will compete in regional and national tournaments, preparing players for the next stage of their athletic careers through elite coaching, strength and conditioning, and high-level player development programming.

The St. James Academy Squash Program is designed to develop competitive athletes through technical training, strategic gameplay, and total player development. Key features include:

• Elite squash facilities, including eight international courts for training and competition
• Advanced strength & conditioning, tailored to squash athletes at the high-performance training center
• Comprehensive recovery resources, featuring Courted spa, cryotherapy, cold plunge, and compression therapy
• Nutrition support, with customized meal plans and supplementation guidance from Vim & Victor
• Personalized college pathway support, inclusive of academic counseling, recruiting and placement services for the student-athlete and his/her parents

Taylor's coaching philosophy emphasizes holistic player development, blending technical training with mental resilience and recovery. With experience leading England's national junior teams and coaching PSA World Tour players, he is committed to elevating American squash and preparing players for collegiate and professional careers. In his current capacity as Director of Squash, Taylor is building a structured player development pathway from junior to professional levels, integrating quality coaching, competition exposure, and academic flexibility to help athletes excel in scholastic, collegiate and pro squash environments and career opportunities.

"I am incredibly excited to launch Academy teams and build an unmatched squash program," said Josh Taylor, Director of Squash. "Developing talent, growing the sport, and fostering a high-performance environment have always been my passion. I look forward to working with our athletes and helping them achieve success."  Josh Taylor joins Darryl Overton and Steve Bumbry as part of the distinguished team of Academy coaches. Together, they will drive growth and excellence in the Academy's competitive programs.

Applications for the 2025–2026 academic year are now open at www.thestjames.com/academy.

• Open House & Evaluation Day: Saturday, March 22, 9:30am–12:00pm 
• Evaluation Form Sign Up Linked HERE
• Shadow days for prospective students available by request
• Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are due by March 31

For more information, visit www.thestjames.com and follow @thestjames on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

About The St. James
The St. James Teams give elite athletes year-round training, professional coaching, and competition across multiple sports. With access to state-of-the-art facilities—including performance centers, full-size fields, and recovery spaces—athletes train in an environment built for high-level development. Expert-led programs focus on skill refinement, strength and conditioning, and competitive readiness, preparing players for collegiate athletics, professional careers, and long-term success.

Contact:
Allyson Musci
703-239-6870
[email protected] 

SOURCE The St. James