Kylie Lindsay calls it a day

New Zealand representative Kylie Lindsay has hung up her squash rackets for the last time, retiring from the professional world circuit.

After a 12 year professional career Lindsay, 31, has decided to retire from professional squash.  She had identified 2014 as her swansong, with the twin peaks of the Commonwealth Games and the World Women's Team Championships to aim for.

Her distinguished career included many highlights.  To list a few:

• Winning five national age group titles - including a record three consecutive in the under 19 age group - and two New Zealand Junior Open titles
• Representing New Zealand at World Junior Women's Championships in 1999 and 2001
• Finishing runner-up (to Shelley Kitchen) at the 2007 National Championships
• A career-high world ranking of 34 in 2012
• Representing New Zealand at Commonwealth Games in 2010 and 2014, and World Women's Team Championships in 2012 and 2014

Lindsay is currently enjoying life after squash while holidaying in Thailand (pictured below), but found the time to answer a few questions.

What will you miss most about being on the tour?

I will miss all the people I have met. I have made some really good friends while I have been on tour and it will be a bit strange not to see them all the time at tournaments.

What will you miss the least?

Airports and jetlag.

How did you know it was time to retire?  You looked to be in good form at the World Women’s Team Champs in Canada?

I knew from the start of this year that this would probably be my last year. The constant travelling was getting harder and I just felt like it was time for something new. My two main focuses this year and why I kept playing were to make the Commonwealth Games team and Women's World Champs team which I did so I'm happy about that. Getting sick in August meant I wasn't able to play any more WSA tournaments which was a little disappointing but I thought playing for NZ at the world team champs was a pretty good way to finish.

What was/were the highlight(s) of your career?

Representing NZ at the Commonwealth Games and World Teams.

Will you keep playing socially?  Will we see you at the 2015 NZ Nationals?

I'm definitely going to have a complete break for quite a while. I'm keen to try new things. But I'm sure I will play again at some point maybe not at Nationals though!

Your Dad was recently made a life member of Squash Waikato, what influence have he and your Mumsie had on your career?

They have been a massive influence on my career. I started playing squash because my Dad was the president of Matamata squash club and I was down there all the time. Dad was also my first coach so he taught me all the fundamentals. They have both been a huge support to me through all the ups and downs and I really would not have been able to do it without them. I don't think I could ever thank them enough for everything they've done for me.

What’s next for Kylie Lindsay?

I'm not really sure at the moment. I'm moving back to NZ so will need to find a 'proper' job!! I'm going to see what options there are for me then go from there but if anyone has any suggestions or any jobs offers they are more than welcome!

Is there anyone you’d like to thank for their support over the years?

Mark Devoy who was a big influence when I was younger and really developed my game when I was coming up through juniors. 

All my friends who have always supported me and my squash friends who have made life on tour so enjoyable.

Joanne Williams who has put an incredible amount of time into helping me over probably the last 10 years or so. She is an incredible person and I'm very lucky to have had her helping me for so long.

Lastly my parents and family who have always been there for me. I wouldn't have been able to do it without them.