Colet’s stalwart, Adrian Jaski is taking a step back from competitive squash and we recently caught up with him to hear his story.

Adrian’s squash story is one of determination, joy, and global adventure. From club matches to international tournaments, coaching juniors to conquering pain, his love for the game has never wavered. And if there’s one thing to take from his journey, it’s this: squash can change your life - it certainly changed his.

When Adrian first picked up a squash racket at just 11 years old, he probably didn’t realise quite how far the sport would take him - across the UK and around the world. Now Adrian has retired from Squash after 50 years of playing due to wear and tear on his knees.

Humble Beginnings

Adrian’s journey began with a borrowed racket and a competitive spirit. Playing at school, he quickly made a name for himself - beating the very friend who’d lent him the racket in the first place. With squash in his blood (his grandad played too), it wasn’t long before Adrian was hooked.

He trained at Richmond Squash Club and found an early rival in his friend school friend Danny, who was a bit better at the time - something that only fuelled Adrian’s desire to improve. A pivotal moment came when he had a one-on-one session with a no-nonsense ex-RAF coach. It was intense, strict, and far from fun - but it laid the foundations for the technical precision that would define his playing style.

By his mid-teens, Adrian was rising rapidly through the ranks, reaching number 3 in the UK under-16s and becoming the number 1 under-19 player in the country. During his gap year, he dominated the UK squash scene, claiming trophies at nearly every turn.

Stepping into Senior Squash

At 19, Adrian joined the senior circuit - a whole new challenge. “A whole new ball game,” he recalls. “They were fitter, stronger. I only managed to reach number 19 in the UK.” Such a modest response, sums Adrian up!

He studied sports science at university, continuing to play while learning about the body and performance. Although his university didn’t offer much of a squash community, he stayed committed, travelling back to Surrey, Middlesex & Berkshire regularly to keep up with training.

He tried his hand at playing professionally after university, but soon realised the cutthroat nature of the pro world wasn’t quite for him. It was time for a new chapter.

Giving Back to the Game

Adrian found joy in passing on what he’d learnt. He coached at Colets for one summer, Richmond Town and Herga SC, while still competing in leagues. Balancing coaching two nights a week with his own training was tough, but he enjoyed watching players grow.

His leadership qualities shone through, and he soon moved into club management of Herga SC. After 18 months managing a sports club, Adrian made a complete career pivot - joining British Airways in in-flight catering department. It might sound like an unexpected switch, but he stayed for 30 years and loved every minute.

Squash, of course, remained a constant.

Squash Across the Globe

Squash really did take Adrian across the globe. He coached in Milan, played tournaments in Europe, and even spent time in Zambia coaching and training. One highlight was visiting Zimbabwe with the Dragon School boys’ team - an eye-opening experience that brought together travel, sport, and community. He returned to Zimbabwe multiple times after, forming lasting memories and friendships.

At BA, Adrian joined their squash team and competed around the world, including Singapore, New Zealand, and the renowned Dubai tournament, which ran for 15 years. “Squash has taken me all around the world,” he says fondly.

Colets and the Surrey Cup

Left to right: Alex Couch, David Clarke, Andy Normile, Jeanette White, David Peck, Kim Ricks Adrian Jaski, Giordano Orsini

Adrian has represented clubs including Richmond Town, Twickenham, Woking, Camberley and of course, Colets. He played for Woking for nearly a decade before moving to Colets in 1999–2000.

“Colets has been so good to me. They’ve really looked after me,” he shares. “Neal’s done an amazing job with the juniors - giving them the tools and opportunities to thrive. It can genuinely change their lives.”

His favourite memory? “There are too many to choose from, but winning the National Club Championship was special. To be top in the country and doing it with a team - it meant everything.”

The Mental Game

For Adrian, squash has always been more than a sport - it’s been a lifeline. “It’s a great release. You can take out all your stress and anger on that little black ball,” he laughs. “There’s nothing like a good match with someone at your level. You come off court feeling amazing.”

His approach to mental resilience is simple but effective: “I always treated it as a fun game. If I ever stopped enjoying it, I’d stop playing. You miss a shot, you get back on court and try again.”

What’s Next?

These days, Adrian keeps active with padel and golf, even if his knee protests a bit. “They’re my two passions now,” he says. “It still keeps me moving.”

And if squash ever calls again? He might just answer (new knees permitting!).

Adrian’s Squash Story: From School Courts to World Adventures