Celebrating the Class of 2020 as graduating student-athletes reflect on academic and sporting success at University of Bath
An outstanding group of high-performing student-athletes have been reflecting on their years of combining their dual passions of sport and education at the University of Bath as they mark the conclusion of their undergraduate degree courses.
The support of the Team Bath Dual Career programme and scholarship funding, courtesy of the University’s generous alumni and benefactors, has helped them juggle the twin demands of studying at one of the best universities in the country while training and competing at a top-class level.
Sadly the Class of 2020 will have to wait a while longer before enjoying a full graduation ceremony but here ten of the student-athletes who have received their final degree classifications look back on their achievements of the past few years and ahead to their next challenges. Scroll down or click on the pictures below to see their stories…
Becky Wilde
Ben Claridge
Ben Jones
Bradley Sutton
Charlie Follett
Georgia Hannam
Kirsty Way
Laura Macro
William Ryley
Zara MulhollandBen Claridge
Sport: Athletics
Course: Sports Performance
Scholarship: Thompson Education Trust
What have been the highlights of your time in Bath?
My highlights have definitely come from a sporting perspective. Every BUCS outdoors athletics competition was one I looked forward to and will never forget. A special highlight from them was winning individual 400m silver in 2018 and then claiming fold in the 4x400m relay hours later.
How have the University’s Dual Career and Scholarship programmes supported you?
Dual Career helped me massively, especially receiving a membership for the Team Bath Gym. I was able to train there three times a week throughout my time in Bath, which I could not have done otherwise. Similarly the scholarship helped me fund other aspects of my training including travel, nutrition and treatment. These were all vital to my success in athletics during my time in Bath.
What’s next for you in terms of sport and education/employment?
I earned a Level 3 qualification in Sports Massage through the Team Bath Vocational Courses programme alongside my studies, which is something I plan to use this coming year. I am also currently completing a Level 3 Personal Trainer course and I will be looking to utilise those skills in my new training location (Cardiff) to help me fund my athletics for the coming years.
Charlie Follett
Sport: Modern Pentathlon
Course: Psychology
Scholarship: Santander
What have been the highlights of your time in Bath?
The highlight has definitely been the opportunity to train at the Pentathlon GB National Performance Centre, based at the University, while also pursuing my dream to become a psychologist. I have had the opportunity to compete in many international competitions and have progressed from the junior age category into the senior team.
How have the University’s Dual Career and Scholarship programmes supported you?
The Dual Career programme has been extremely useful – having access to the facilities and extra bonuses (such as a parking permit) really help with everyday training routines. As a Santander Scholar, the monetary support has allowed me to purchase top-of-the-range equipment which has positively impacted upon my training and competitive performances.
What’s next for you in terms of sport and education/employment?
My sporting goal is to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games so, for the next four years, I will remain in Bath and train at the National Performance Centre. Outside of sport, my dream is to become a chartered clinical psychologist, offering therapy and counselling to individuals with mental health difficulties. I have applied for a Masters in Clinical Psychology, starting this year, and I then hope to complete a doctorate after I have achieved my ambitions within sport.
Georgia Hannam
Sport: Modern Pentathlon
Course: Health & Exercise Science
Scholarship: Santander
What have been the highlights of your time in Bath?
It definitely has to be competing at both the World and European Junior Championships in 2019, where I won four international medals – bronze in the mixed relay (Europeans), silver in the women’s relay (Worlds) and bronze team medals at each event. I also achieved the highest individual international placing of my career so far with 11th at the European Championships.
How have the University’s Dual Career and Scholarship programmes supported you?
They have supported me greatly, enabling me to access numerous resources such as physiotherapy so I could continue competing and training at an international level.
What’s next for you in terms of sport and education/employment?
Continuing to train hard with the Pentathlon GB squad based at the Team Bath Sports Training Village and working towards competing regularly on the senior international stage, with the hope of achieving great success and a shot at going to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Ben Jones
Sport: Tennis
Course: Chemistry
Scholarship: Buchan Jones
What have been the highlights of your time in Bath?
My sporting highlights have to be winning the BUCS National Doubles Championships with my partner Tiarnan in my first year; winning my first two professional doubles titles; and representing the GB University team twice at the Master’U BNP Paribas event, both times winning silver medals. I am also very proud of all of my results that I have achieved in my Chemistry degree and am hoping to graduate with a first-class degree.
How have the University’s Dual Career and Scholarship programmes supported you?
The Dual Career programme and my Buchan Jones Scholarship have helped so much during my time at Bath – they have taken a load of pressure off me and have allowed me to travel abroad to compete in professional tennis tournaments during my summers. Everyone involved in the Dual Career programme, as well as my sponsors (Chris and Sally), have been so supportive during my time in Bath and have made my sporting life so much more enjoyable and stress-free.
What’s next for you in terms of sport and education/employment?
I am planning to play professional tennis over the next few years while still basing my training at the STV in Bath. I am hoping to compete in the men’s doubles at Wimbledon next year as well as being able to improve my singles world ranking as much as possible. However, if the coronavirus situation continues and there is no possibility of me being able to travel abroad to compete in international tournaments, then I will probably do a Masters degree at Bath instead!
Laura Macro
Sport: Rowing
Course: Sport & Exercise Science
Scholarship: Santander
What have been the highlights of your time in Bath?
Some of my most memorable sporting highlights include being the first Bath University women’s crew to win at Henley Women’s Regatta, along with being the first to qualify for Henley Royal Regatta, in the double with Steph Clutterbuck back in 2017. Subsequently, being part of the first Bath women’s crew to reach the semi-finals of Henley Royal with Zara Mulholland in 2019 was a huge bonus! Another great highlight for me was racing for Bath again at Henley Women’s Regatta in the summer of 2019, this time in my single scull, to pick up a second win for the university – and going on to win in Bath colours among the GB Universities squad at the European Universities Regatta in Sweden in September. Finally, picking up my very first GB vest at the European U23 Championships in 2018 is a memory I will always cherish. Having the opportunity to be able to do these things while also coming away with a degree in Sport & Exercise Science has been really rewarding!
How have the University’s Dual Career and Scholarship programmes supported you?
Through the Dual Career programme, I was able to access information through talks which provided beneficial help in areas such as nutrition. A key part to my progress was being able to talk with James Lambdon, the sports psychologist at Bath, who helped to guide me through some of the most mentally challenging times both within the daily demands of being a student-athlete and the different pressures that came during the racing season. Having the added benefits of Scholarships from both Matrix (2016-17) and Santander (2017-2019) have not only been crucial for continued access to training facilities and attendance to training camps and competitions but have also allowed me to form a wider circle of connections which may provide useful pathways for the future.
What’s next for you in terms of sport and education/employment?
Sadly, due to the cancellation of planned events for this summer, a premature ‘retirement’ from elite level has been something I have had to come to terms with, having originally planned for this summer to be the swansong of International racing. However, there are plenty of opportunities I look forward to in the near future. I am hoping (following confirmation of my results!) to take on the challenge of a Master’s degree in Sport & Health Science at Exeter University from October. I have a deep interest in research within exercise physiology and hope the Masters may provide a stepping-stone in this direction. Meanwhile, I have been returning to my roots at my home rowing club, Plymouth ARC. Not only will I continue to enjoy (and most likely again compete in) the sport I became addicted to over ten years ago, I also hope to make good use of knowledge gathered whilst being coached by Dan Harris at Bath, by devoting some time to provide advice and coaching to upcoming generations of rowers at Plymouth.
Zara Mulholland
Sport: Rowing
Course: Civil Engineering
Scholarship: Santander
What have been the highlights of your time in Bath?
Bath has provided me with an unforgettable university experience. I have made friends for life and everlasting memories through the opportunities provided. As a fresher trying rowing for the first time, I could not have imagined that within three years I would be racing at Henley Royal Regatta and representing Great Britain in the U23 European Championships. Training alongside my studies was difficult but I loved it. It has shaped me as a person and I believe the skills and qualities I have gained during my time at Bath will help me in the future. I take great pride in my Civil Engineering degree and everything I have achieved in rowing during such a short time.
How have the University’s Dual Career and Scholarship programmes supported you?
They were invaluable to me as a student-athlete. The Dual Career programme allowed me to split my final year across two years and better apply myself to both my studies and sporting ambitions – something that was vital to my success in both areas. It also provided many other benefits including a free gym membership, access to the Athletes’ Lounge and an on-campus parking permit. All of these benefits were a huge help to my day-to-day life. My scholarship with Santander massively helped me financially. The money I received made it easier to afford travel and accommodation for training camps and competitions. I was very grateful for all the help I received from both programmes during my time at the University of Bath.
What’s next for you in terms of sport and education/employment?
Next year I plan to attend a Master’s course in Environmental Management at the University of Aberdeen. I hope this will lead me to a future career in Environmental Consultancy. With regards to rowing, I am stepping back from the high-performance environment to allow time to focus on my studies and career. I am excited to experience a new place and to see what opportunities await me in Aberdeen.
William Ryley
Sport: Swimming
Course: Chemistry
Scholarship: Goldsmith
What have been the highlights of your time in Bath?
During my time at Bath, I have been able to compete yearly at British Championships and BUCS, winning multiple medals. My selection to the Wales National Elite squad has been pivotal in my development as a swimmer as it enabled me to represent Wales and Bath at international levels where I have repeatedly made finals and secured podium finishes.
How have the University’s Dual Career and Scholarship programmes supported you?
They gave me access to workshops and facilities, while also providing me with financial and lifestyle support to guide me through an academically demanding Chemistry degree.
What’s next for you in terms of sport and education/employment?
I plan to continue my studies at Bath and complete a Masters course. This should go hand in hand with my continuation of training at Bath as it allows me to train towards the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
Bradley Sutton
Sport: Modern Pentathlon
Course: Sports Performance
Scholarship: Santander
What have been the highlights of your time in Bath?
I have had many highlights during my time at the University of Bath and met some great friends and staff along the way. One sporting highlight that stands out for me is winning the BUCS National Modern Pentathlon championship for Team Bath earlier this year. I really loved winning international medals at junior Europeans but representing the University directly and bringing the trophy back to the University of Bath was a great feeling. Academically my highlight must have been the feeling of success when achieving a first in my dissertation. Just to know the hard work of a whole year on a project I found hard and interesting got recognised and achieving a top grade was an excellent feeling that I won’t forget.
How have the University’s Dual Career and Scholarship programmes supported you?
The scholarship aided me financially to have the best kit required to compete on the modern pentathlon world stage and Dual Career helped with my training at university. Access to the facilities and other services made it very easy to train when I needed to and work well around my academic schedule. I found this support particularly useful in my first year of transitioning to the University of Bath before I was lucky enough to be on the Pentathlon GB podium potential pathway.
What’s next for you in terms of sport and education/employment?
Next for me is to continue being a full-time athlete. I have now returned to training with Pentathlon GB’s National Training Centre at the University of Bath and will be a training partner for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic team. I wish to continue competing in modern pentathlon for Great Britain and push for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. I am also interested in a military career once retiring from sport.
I’d like to say a big thank you to Team Bath, Pentathlon GB, Santander Sports Scholarship, the Sports Performance staff and lecturers, friends and family for aiding my success, both sporting and academically, during my time at the University of Bath.
Kirsty Way
Sport: Trampolining (double mini trampoline)
Course: Sport & Exercise Science
Scholarship: King
What have been the highlights of your time in Bath?
I think it’s important to identify two major highlights because my life has been such a balance between both sport and education. It goes without saying that my biggest sporting highlight had to be becoming European Champion back in 2018 – I don’t think my smile has ever been as big as the moment I saw my score pop up on the screen showing my position as ‘FIRST PLACE’. The best part about it is that I am still holding on tight to the title today. As for the academic side of things, my biggest achievement had to be my Psychology coursework grade this year. Psychology was my favourite unit on the course and the area that I completed my Placement year in, so to achieve one of my highest-ever coursework grades in this area (also whilst in the middle of a global pandemic) was a massive standout moment for me.
How have the University’s Dual Career and Scholarship programmes supported you?
I know it sounds cheesy but I honestly wouldn’t have achieved what I have today without all the support I received whilst at Bath. Having free access to the Team Bath Gym, as well as all the additional strength and conditioning support, was a big game-changer for me; it allowed me to get stronger off the trampoline, which meant that when I got back on the trampoline everything became 10 times easier. The King Scholarship I received in my final year also couldn’t have come at a better time – four years of uni can accumulate a lot of debt, so having that additional financial support made funding both my sport and my academics a lot less stressful. Finally, I cannot express enough thanks to TASS [Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme] who not only provided me with physio, psychological and lifestyle support but also helped me through two surgeries in the last 18 months. Injuries can be an upsetting and traumatic experience for anyone but with the outstanding support that Team Bath and TASS provided me, I am very nearly ready to return to full fitness and get back to the sport I love!
What’s next for you in terms of sport and education/employment?
The future can be daunting but it can also be super exciting. For me, I am due to start a masters at the University of Bristol, studying Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health – I genuinely can’t wait! Four years of studying wasn’t quite enough for me, so I’m ready to gain a few extra qualifications in a field that majorly interests me. In terms of my sporting future, I will be preparing to bounce back (if you pardon the pun) to training at the STV and competition following a couple of nasty injuries and a long rehab period. I’ve got the European Championships lined up early next year which I am hoping to qualify a place for, whereby I will then be fighting to defend my title and also aim to achieve Britain’s first ever team gold medal for DMT. It’s a big goal but I’m confident we can do it! All in all, I see the future as an exciting challenge that I cannot wait to begin.
Becky Wilde
Sport: Rowing
Course: Sport & Social Sciences
Scholarship: Santander
What have been the highlights of your time in Bath?
Switching from swimming to rowing at the end of my first year in Bath was definitely the main highlight. The decision has been hugely rewarding and I have had so many amazing experiences. The most special of these was bouncing back from two hip operations last season to make the U23 European team which made all the pain and frustration of the injuries worth it. Academically I have loved studying Sport & Social Science and my dissertation into overtraining in female student-athletes was particularly interesting and enjoyable. Coming away with first-class honours for my degree has been hugely rewarding and made the stress of balancing training and studying worth it.
How have the University’s Dual Career and Scholarship programmes supported you?
I doubt I would have got to where I am today without the support of these programmes. From being able to sit down and have a chat with James Lambdon (psychologist and lifestyle advisor) almost weekly to getting help to split my final year, the programmes have helped me in so many ways to cope with the demands of being a student-athlete and succeed in both areas. I am so thankful for all the support I have been given.
What’s next for you in terms of sport and education/employment?
Next year I am staying in Bath to train full-time on the GB Rowing Team Start programme, which I am hugely excited about. While being a student-athlete has been a lot of fun, it will be nice to purely focus on sport for the first time. I am, however, currently looking for part-time work to help fund this. Hopefully the competition schedule will start to return to normal next season and I cannot wait to get back on the water and race with the aim of making the team for the World University Games.
Click here to find out more about how we support student-athletes in both their academic and sporting careers at the University of Bath.
