Australian squash star Sarah Fitz-Gerald has announced that she has accepted an invitation to represent Devon & Exeter Squash Club in the forthcoming British Super League. The historic signing will see the World No1 and four-times World Champion from Melbourne become the first woman to compete in the UK's premier club competition.
Unbeaten on the Women's International Squash Players Association (WISPA) World Tour for more than a year, with 59 successive victories, Fitz-Gerald is enjoying the most successful period of her career. In August, Sarah claimed the Gold medal in the Commonwealth Games in England, then last month extended her WISPA record to 60 titles by winning the French Open in her 90th final appearance.
Off-court, Sarah stunned the sports world last year by scoring a remarkable double at the Australian Sports Awards - winning both the 'Female Athlete of the Year' and the prestigious 'Dawn Fraser Award' for the overall sports personality of the year, ahead of candidates such as tennis player Lleyton Hewitt and swimmer Ian Thorpe!
"We are thrilled that a player of Sarah's international calibre has agreed to represent us in next year's Super League," said club owner Tony Snell. "Not only is Sarah one of the all-time great squash players, but she is also one of the sport's most popular ambassadors - and sure to make a lot of new friends down here in Devon."
Fitz-Gerald added: "As a professional squash player, it is always exciting to set new goals and face new challenges, and I am looking forward playing for the Devon and Exeter Club in the new season ahead. Hopefully this opportunity will help to show everyone just how strong the women's game is at this time."
Team orders for
2003 feature
12 of the world's
top 20