U.S. SQUASH announced that Paul Assaiante has accepted the position of National Coach. In this newly created position, Assaiante will lead the U.S. SQUASH coaching staff in their efforts to raise the profile of the U.S. Teams nationally and on the world stage, with the goal of elevating their performance at international competitions. Assaiante will remain in his role as Men’s Head Squash Coach at Trinity College where he has led the Bantams to a record 12 consecutive National Championships.
In this volunteer position with U.S. SQUASH, Assaiante will take a direct role in managing an expanded stable of National High Performance Directors and the coaches of specific national teams. He will also work with the Association staff to expand its support for the development of elite athletes on a regional basis, focusing on bridging the gaps and increasing the opportunities for training among the elite junior, college and professional squash players.
In addition, Assaiante will coach at least one team himself each year. This year Assaiante will coach the U.S. SQUASH Team competing at the World University Games to take place in July 2010 in Melbourne, Australia, and the Women’s Team competing in the World Championships in New Zealand in December. Assaiante has coached the Men’s Team in the past, including the 1999 and 2003 Pan American Games teams and the 2003 World Championships team.
U.S. SQUASH CEO Kevin Klipstein commented, “Having improved the Association’s core members programs and operations, we are now able to expand the focus of the organization in order to effectively strive to be No. 1 in the world. While every other competitive squash country in the world has significant and direct government financial support for their national teams, we need to do it completely on our own and having the best people in leadership roles is critical. We still need to compete with these countries, and our goal is to win.”
Klipstein continued, “Paul brings the experience, passion and skills we need to engage the entire US coaching and playing community in our efforts to elevate our national teams to become World Champions. I could not be more pleased that Paul has decided to assist us in this capacity.”
Assaiante had the following to say about his appointment, “It is with great excitement and humility that I join forces with U.S. SQUASH to try to help create a stronger and more defined system to support the young player transition into the standard whereby they will be competing for the USA on the world stage. It is our hope that we can create a sense that it is a tremendous honor to play for the USA and provide the tools needed to help the players to bring the country to the elite level in the world.”
