After studying sports, biology and business at A-level, Nicole graduated from BA (Hons) Sport Development (now evolved to BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching and Physical Education) in 2010 at the University of Winchester. She’s had a fantastic career in football coaching and is now Head Coach for West Ham’s U21 Women’s team. We caught up with her to hear about her time at the University and how it’s helped her career.
What personal or professional skills did you gain during the course?
I acquired various academic skills such as writing assignments, referencing, building the confidence to research, and learning over time how to develop a case study.
There was a very intimate course structure, due to small tutor groups, so the 121 interaction was invaluable within classes.
What was the best thing about your course lecturers?
The lecturers all brought something different to my development through their different personalities and ways of teaching. Richard Cheetham brought creativity, care, fun, different ways of learning, as well as thinking outside the box and valuing difference. Jo Batey was calm and nice natured, as well as drawing on her expertise and experiences. The course at Winchester and its lecturers made it.
Did you do any work experience as part of your course?
I did get the opportunity to work with the disability group at East Hampshire Cycling group. We used to visit once a week and help out. Eventually this became my dissertation and it was amazing to build these connections and see the impact of bicycles for all. This increased my variety of experiences as I was also working part-time coaching football in Reading and Wokingham.
I also took the opportunity to work abroad as part of the Camp America scheme that was advertised at the Freshers’ Fayre. Here I worked as a camp counsellor and was part of the land sports leadership staff.
Outside of the course, what were some of your favourite things about student life?
As a commuting student, I valued having the flexibility to stay over at times while still being able to go home. I had friends living in different student houses across the neighbourhoods which helped me quickly feel part of the community. To this day, my first year stands out as the best, particularly because of the people and being involved in the sports teams, which gave me the opportunity to make friends across different year groups. Being part of the football team and going on tours was a real highlight and played a big role in shaping my student experience.
What did you enjoy about being in the city of Winchester?
Winchester is a beautiful city with rich history including a cathedral. Although it’s a small city, it had everything. It has a calm, inclusive community that is very welcoming to students, offering everything you need while still feeling safe, friendly and easy to enjoy socially.
How did studying at Winchester help you to prepare for the world of work and/or to secure your job?
Studying at Winchester gave me the tools to communicate confidently and present ideas with clear, professional messaging. The course encouraged creativity, allowing me to explore different ideas and not be afraid to consider alternative viewpoints.
I also had the opportunity to travel abroad each year which allowed me to experience new cultures, gain independence and build my work experience.
Although the course was challenging, it gave me the opportunity to develop and accelerate in my chosen career of sports coaching and people. Completing it and achieving a high 2:1 left me well prepared for the demands of the working world and proud of what I had accomplished.
What has been your career highlight so far?
There have been many highlights, but travelling abroad while coaching and working particularly stands out. Progressing with top football clubs across both the male and female game has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud of the development I’ve achieved within such high‑performance environments and to now be in the professional top game.
I’ve also stayed in touch with my tutors and have delivered sessions to students and seen them graduate, so I’d say inspiring the next generation has also been a real highlight.
What advice would you give someone considering studying this subject?
- Go for it, don’t wait for others.
- Be engaged in sessions by attending regularly and interacting.
- Ask questions.
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