Squash Magazine: Natalie Pohrer

Natalie Pohrer On the Move By Amy Boytz Pictures by Randall Scott

At 24, Natalie Pohrer, in a strange way, has become squash's poster girl for the art of changing countries. Born in England, then moved with her family to Johannesburg, South Africa at two months of age, Pohrer (then Grainger) first came on to the squash scene representing South Africa in junior and senior championships. By the time she reached adulthood, Pohrer recognized that to be taken seriously in the sport—and to receive proper financial and training support—she would need to move to England. Move she did, going in on the ticket of her birth in the UK. Pohrer spent three solid years playing under the English flag. Then she fell in love with an American. This January, six months after her marriage to St. Louis native Eddie Pohrer, Natalie announced her plans to play for the United States in the future, where she intends to reside from this point forward. “I feel like 007 at the moment,” Pohrer jokes, laughing about her multiple nationalities. “Which passport do you want here?” Need to Know • Name: Natalie Pohrer (previously Grainger) • Birth Date: July 8, 1977 • Birth Place: Manchester, England • Country Where Raised: South Africa • Currently Residing: St. Louis, MO • World Ranking: Lucky 13 • Top 5 Jeopardy Categories: Fantasy Characters, Historical Dates, Cocktails, Sporting Events/Athletes, Cars (For the complete profile of Natalie Pohrer, see the March 2002 Squash Magazine.)

Natalie Pohrer

On the Move