Before starting my course, I worked for six years within professional multidisciplinary sport science environments including across Olympic programmes, Indian Super League football (ISL), international badminton, sailing, squash, rowing and cricket.
I visited Loughborough to present my research about fast bowlers at the World Congress of Science and Medicine in Cricket 2019 (WCSMC). During that visit, I was impressed by the campus and facilities. I knew that I wanted to return to study at the University one day. It seemed the ideal place, offering everything I needed to progress to the next level in my profession.
What really struck me was the integration of world-class facilities with applied teaching. Being able to learn in an environment that mirrors elite sport creates a seamless connection between theory and practice. What’s more, being surrounded by motivated students, coaches and academics really pushes your learning and development.
The part of my course that I most enjoyed were the applied seminars and practitioner-led sessions. Having coaches and sport science professionals share their experiences, case studies and journeys within high performance sport was invaluable.
These sessions dovetailed theory and practice while exploring wider challenges within professional environments, including gender differences and cultural considerations. As someone adjusting to working in the UK for the first time, this was particularly useful.
Their insights into how professionals develop their coaching identity over time encouraged me to reflect on my own approach, helping me refine how I work as a coach, continually honing my skill set.
Perhaps the most influential areas of study for me were Strength and Conditioning Coaching, Science Underlying Performance and Injury, and Professional Practice for Strength and Conditioning.
These modules enhanced my understanding of applied performance training and injury prevention while challenging me to critically reflect on my own practice. I have subsequently applied my learning directly at Peterborough United Women FC, increasing athletes’ understanding of the impact of training decisions and performance behaviours on their long-term health and resilience as a squad.
Holistic human development is something I have always been interested and invested in. My course provided a pathway to really develop professionally and personally.
I shadowed professional coaches, volunteered with national federations and governing bodies, and attended practitioner CPD sessions. These varied opportunities gave me hands-on experience in elite environments, deepening my skills in evidence-based practice, critical thinking and applied coaching decision making.
Alongside my studies, I was Programme Representative for my cohort, served on the School’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDI), and contributed to Dr Emily Hansell’s teaching project. These roles further developed my communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills. I learnt how to contribute to the student experience in a constructive and professional manner.
Since completing the course, I have returned to high performance sport, including as Head of Performance for Peterborough United Women FC and Performance Specialist for the athletics team, working alongside Olympian Joel Fearon. I am now working as a Consultant for the England and Wales Cricket Board’s DiSE programme.
I continue to work with Indian national teams across a range of sports, including with both youth and senior athletes. In my work, I collaborate with national and private federations and contribute to the development and setup of high-performance environments and facilities.
Alongside continuing to work with professional athletes and clients globally, my growing interest in women’s health led me to launch the Women’s Health x Wellness Programme last year within my online performance coaching platform.
The programme focuses on helping women build healthier lifestyles through a holistic approach to health and performance, supporting them to make sustainable lifestyle changes, improve wellbeing, redefine their limits and feel empowered in their health journey.
Working alongside female health professionals, including doctors, surgeons, physiotherapists, nutritionists and psychologists, I also offer prenatal, postnatal and menopause support.
My advice to anyone thinking about studying at Loughborough is to be ready to fully engage with everything on offer. It will far exceed your expectations. The more you get involved, the more you will gain, professionally and personally – across learning, sport and your wider development. Get onboard and enjoy the journey!