Donna Lobban announces her retirement from PSA Tour

Commonwealth Games gold medallist and World Champion Donna Lobban has announced her retirement from the PSA World Tour, after 18 years on the world circuit. 

With multiple PSA world tour titles and World Championship gold medals, Lobban has continued to impress the squash community both nationally and internationally. 

Originally from Yamba, New South Wales, Lobban was initially introduced to squash at the young age of six by her mum, who Lobban says has been the most influential person throughout her playing career.

Lobban excelled at a junior level, picking up five Australian Junior Titles in addition to claiming a runner-up spot at the 2003 British Junior Open. Her first tour titles came in 2007 and just three years later she broke into the world’s top 20 to sit amongst the elite players in women’s squash.

Throughout her nearly two decade career, Lobban has represented Australia at four Commonwealth Games - Delhi, Glasgow, Gold Coast and Birmingham. Making her debut at the Delhi Games in 2010, Lobban, then Urquhart, paired with Kasey Brown to win bronze in the women’s doubles event.

Continuing her Commonwealth Games journey, Lobban won gold in the mixed doubles at Gold Coast 2018, which she shared with her cousin Cameron Pilley. In front of family and friends this victory will go down as one of the most memorable moments in Australian squash history. She also won a bronze in the Women’s Doubles with her partner Rachael Grinham.

Following her bronze medal in Delhi, Lobban travelled to Palmerston North, New Zealand to compete in the World Team Championships in 2010. Competing alongside Rachael Grinham, Kasey Brown and Sarah Fitzgerald together they were able to take home Australia's 9th World Team Championships beating the English team in the final.

Lobban went on to compete in multiple World Doubles Championships winning two gold, one silver and two bronze medals between 2016 and 2019. 

In recent months, Lobban led Team Australia at the WSF Women's World Team Championships in Cairo. The team finished 11th overall, with Lobban winning several crucial matches throughout the competition.

Taking a step off the court, Lobban joined the Squash Australia Tour Group in Birmingham to take on the role as coach alongside Stewart Boswell at the 2023 British Junior Open. Lobban supported the juniors throughout the tournament providing coaching advice and assistance ensuring the athletes competed to the best of their abilities. 

However Lobban will not be a stranger to Squash, having taken on the role as Head Coach of Heriot Watt University Squash Scholar Programme in September of 2022. 

“I wasn't sure what I wanted to do after being a professional athlete but when this job as Head Coach of Heriot Watt University Squash Scholar Programme came up last year, it was something that really excited me,” Lobban said. 

“I started the job in September after the Commonwealth Games with the thought of doing it alongside playing the PSA World Tour. After doing this for the last 6 months I've realised that I'm really enjoying this new challenge and feel ready to put all of my energy into that now.” 

Looking back on such a remarkable career, Lobban is most proud of the way she carried herself as a professional athlete rather than any title or achievements. 

“I'm proud of the way I have carried myself as a professional athlete who played fairly, respectfully and always gave 100%. As a young girl, sportsmanship was a value that was instilled in me and I would like to think I have always shown that,” she said. 

“I'm also proud of the perseverance I have shown, coming back from my fair share of injuries and setbacks. I feel like I have been to hell and back with some of the things I have been through but I have never let it defeat me.”

Squash Australia CEO Robert Donaghue congratulated Lobban on her playing career and thanked her for her contribution to the squash community.

"Donna has been a true asset to Squash Australia and throughout her career on the PSA tour she has upheld the values of a true Australian sportsperson and we are all incredibly proud of her achievements," said Donaghue.

"I for one am excited to see what she does next and she will always be a valuable part of the Squash Australia family."

Although it’s sad to see Lobban stepping away from the PSA tour, Squash Australia’s High Performance Manager Lachlan Johnston said he is incredibly proud and grateful for the example Lobban has set for younger members of Squash Australia.

"Donna has been an integral member of the Australian squash team since her senior debut in 2008. She has always put her best foot forward representing Australia and has been an excellent leader and role model for younger members of the team," he said. 

Looking towards the future Lobban can’t see her life without squash and will continue to be a part of the Squash Australia community the best way she can. 

“I can't ever imagine not being involved in squash. It has always been such a big part of my life and I absolutely love the game so I think I will always be involved in some way, shape or form,” said Lobban.