My course certainly helped me to develop a deeper understanding of elite sport performance.
Working alongside ambitious and knowledgeable individuals really pushed me. I grew both personally and professionally, gaining the confidence to work in demanding high-performance environments.
For me, the performance-focused modules were most important. I was able to apply my theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, using strength and conditioning principles to support athletic development. My case study project had a massive impact on my learning. It formed the basis of how I analyse performance, from the macro to the micro perspective.
I also had plenty of internship opportunities. My first was with Aston Villa FC. From there, I moved into rugby as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Team USA during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
I’ve also accumulated experience across a range of sports beyond rugby spanning cycling, football, squash, surfing and 10 years as an Olympic Weightlifter, competing at Loughborough alongside my studies. Being able to nurture that passion as part of my work is fantastic. I joined England U21 Women’s Rugby Six Nations 2026 squad during their campaign against Scotland.
All of this has ensured that I have strong communication, coaching and analytical skills, alongside the ability to work effectively in world-class team environments. I also learned the essential skill of connecting with other coaches to create a supportive community with my strength and conditioning colleagues.