Good Luck, Grant

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia assistant coach Grant White will be leaving the Cavaliers to take a head coaching job. His last day with the program is Friday, August 22.

Grant  has served as the assistant coach for the Virginia men’s and women’s squash teams since the program was named a varsity sport by the in 2017. Prior to the program becoming a varsity sport, he worked with the UVA club squash program, serving a a member of the coaching staff since 2011, dedicating 14 years to the Virginia squash program.

White worked with the UVA club squash teams from 2011. He was the program’s assistant coach since 2013 after serving as the head coach of both programs from 2011-13. Under Grant’s leadership, both programs gained national recognition. The men’s team finished the 2013 campaign ranked 26th and the women’s team finished 36th. As an assistant coach, Grant helped coach the programs to top 20 finishes at the conclusion of the 2017 season (men- 19th; women- 13th). Additionally, both teams have held the title of No. 1 club team nationally since 2015. In addition to his on-court teaching roles, Grant managed media and public relations as well as administrative duties related to the club teams.

Since earning varsity status, Grant has helped lead the men’s and women’s teams to a combined five MASC Championship titles. He mentored six players to being named MASC Player of the Year with 16 All-America honors. Emma Jinks and Meagan Best were both finalists for the Betty Richey Award while Omar El Torkey was a finalist for the Skillman Award.

Here are but a few of the things our alums have to say about Grant:

“Grant, it has been amazing to learn, grow, and celebrate so much with you over the last 15 years! I cannot imagine what my journey at UVA would have been without you, and have loved every time I get to catch up with you and Mara since graduating. You helped bring us together when we were a young club team and continued to lead us as Mark came in to revolutionize the program. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and general good spirits has always inspired me and the team to keep pushing for our goals.” – Ned Whelan, 2015

“Grant, thank you so much for being such a huge part of not only my own squash experience, but also this program which has so much to be proud of – I’m not sure there’s ever been any rise through the ranks like this one! You’ve developed so many athletes’ skillsets and passion for the sport, all while cultivating a lighthearted environment where everyone could feel at ease. I can’t thank you enough for some of the most important memories in my life.” – Carolyn Grenier 2017

“You have been the heart and soul of this team – this program could have never reached the point we are at today without your leadership and contribution. Your effort was evidenced in always having the most drenched shirt after practice out of everyone – even if just coaching or feeding balls. Endless energy, inspirational guidance during practice and matches, and good-humored conversation with quite a witty arsenal of jokes – those are the things I remember and thank you for with much gratitude.” – Grayson Bubrosky, 2019

“It’s hard to put into words just how much your presence has meant to me and to all of us. You’ve been more than just a coach to us, you’ve been a motivator and a constant source of energy (and dad jokes!) that made every practice, match day, and bus ride more memorable. Your dedication to the UVA squash program has been nothing short of inspiring. You poured everything you had into this team, not just at practice but in the way you genuinely cared for every single one of us. You treated each player with the same respect, support, and belief. You made UVA squash feel like home. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.” – Mandy Haywood, 2022

“These past four years at UVA were unforgettable, and a huge part of that is because of you. You’ve always known exactly how to get me going on court—whether it was with your hilarious one-liners or those perfectly-timed words of motivation. You made the hard days easier, the good days even better, and somehow always knew how to push me without ever making it feel like pressure. I’ve grown so much not just as a player, but as a person, and I owe a big part of that to your presence, guidance, and just who you are. Thank you for being an incredible coach, a great mentor, and most of all, a truly good human being. I’ll carry what I learned from you far beyond the court.” – Taha Dinana, 2024