ITHACA, N.Y. – Two-time world champion David Palmer, one of the most accomplished squash athletes in the sport's history, will take over as The James Broadhead `57 Head Coach of Squash at Cornell it was announced today by Andy Noel, The Meakem*Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education. He replaces Mark and Julee Devoy, who retired this past summer as the all-time winningest coaches in Big Red squash history. 

"We could not be more pleased with the addition of David Palmer as our new coach," Noel said. "We may be entering an exceedingly exciting era in Big Red squash with a player and coach of David's stature."

Palmer competed on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) tour from 1997-2011, twice reaching a number one world ranking (2001-02, 2006). During his pro career, he won the PSA Super Series finals in 2002, reached the World Tour finals 53 times and came away with the title on 27 occasions. Palmer was a two-time World Champion (2002, 2006), one of just seven athletes to claim a world title on multiple occasions, as well as a four-time British Open Champion (2001, 2003, 2004, 2008). Palmer was ranked in the top 10 of the PSA for 10 consecutive years (2000-10) before retiring from professional competition in 2010.

Internationally, Palmer captained the Australian national team six times and won a total of seven Commonwealth Game medals, including a pair of golds in men's single and mixed doubles in 2012. He was named the nation's Senior Athlete of the Year four times (2006, 2007, 2008, 2014), and was voted the Player of the Decade by his peers.

Over the past five years, he has run the David Palmer Squash Academy based out of Orlando, Fla., as well as serving as a part owner and managing Director of Black Knight USA, a manufacturing and wholesaler of sporting equipment. With his academy, Palmer works with multiple professional players all around the world, eight of whom rank among the top 30. He also works with a number international junior players. The Academy will relocate to Ithaca and will utilize Cornell's Belkin International Squash Courts for camps throughout the year.

In 2007, Palmer was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia, an order of chivalry given by Queen Elizabeth II of Australia, to recognize Australian citizens for achievement or meritorious service.