Courtesy of PSA (https://www.psaworldtour.com/news/duncalf-coming-out-becoming-mother/)

In the PSA Foundation’s latest #PrideInSquash piece, they spoke to former World No.2 Jenny Duncalf about her career, coming out, becoming a mother and more.

Duncalf had a successful squash career, receiving three Commonwealth Games silver medals and winning 11 PSA titles.

Speaking about her journey into squash, Duncalf said: “I used to play a lot of sports when I was younger. Football was my main one, I used to play for my school and the boy’s team. 

“And then at under 10 level the FA didn’t allow girls at the time to play with boys, so that was what I thought was a budding football career move over.

“I ended up going down to the squash club on a Saturday morning instead of football.”

Since hanging up her racket in 2019, Duncalf has continued to commentate on SQUASHTV and coaches in Australia, which she now calls home.

“When I retired, I was already doing a fair bit of emceeing for the PSA at the big events, which was good fun. It was harder than being a professional squash player.

“I then started working part-time as the junior coach for Squash Australia and then became full time maybe a year and a half ago now as National Pathways coach, then National Junior Coach, with the aim of getting squash in Australia back on the map”

Duncalf publicly came out in 2017, announcing her relationship with former World Number One Rachael Grinham.

They now live in Brisbane, Australia and have recently started a family, with the arrival of their first child, Finley

“We’ve been sort of trying to try to make a little family,” Duncalf said.

“It really makes you think back to being a player and that being the easiest thing ever. You’ve only got to look after yourself, really.

“He’s just so precious. You want to do everything you can for him!” 

Duncalf also spoke about how the squash community has been welcoming and accepting with her sexuality as well as the importance of LGBT+ visibility within the sport.

“I’ve always felt comfortable within squash, maybe I’m biased because it is my sport but generally people are pretty good,” she said.

“I think we’re a good bunch and most people get on well and are happy if people are happy in their own skin.

“You see the negative stuff and it’s kind of like who cares? We don’t even care anymore, just be yourself and get on with it. We don’t need to hear about it. But we do need to hear about it.

“You’ve got to keep the fight going and keep the visibility because there is someone who needs to see it. Not all countries are as forgiving and accepting as the countries we live in.

“The more we can bring it consistently to the forefront, then hopefully that’ll drip feed to other countries and other people around the world who aren’t so fortunate.”

Watch the full interview with Duncalf now on SQUASHTV