Team Surrey's
sports stars
in the spotlight
The University of Surrey offers a Dual Career programme to support students pursuing a sporting career alongside their studies.
#ProudtobeSurrey
The Dual Career Programme is a support service and financial package available to University of Surrey students who are pursuing a sporting career alongside their studies. The programme focuses on balancing success across both athletic and academic commitments, whilst continuously supporting holistic wellbeing.
There are three tiers of support – Elite, Talent and Performance – however, all athletes can access a number of support services including strength and conditioning, nutrition, psychology, physiotherapy, and performance lifestyle.
Team Surrey performance student-athletes are also eligible to apply for additional financial support through a number of scholarships. Imogen Newby, Sam Blaker and Juliette Lindsay are the recipients of this year's Sport Scholarships.
Team Surrey performance student-athletes are also eligible to apply for additional financial support through a number of scholarships. Imogen Newby, Sam Blaker and Juliette Lindsay are the recipients of this year's Sport Scholarships
Team Surrey performance student-athletes are also eligible to apply for additional financial support through a number of scholarships. Imogen Newby, Sam Blaker and Juliette Lindsay are the recipients of this year's Sport Scholarships.
©Malcolm Rees
©Malcolm Rees
Imogen Newby is studying a foundation year in Children and Young People’s Nursing and says she has been "welcomed to Surrey with open arms".
Imogen has been on the British junior archery team for seven years and last year represented Team GB at the World Youth Championships, having been inspired to try the sport after the London 2012 Olympics.
"I was watching the [London] Olympics with my family and stood up and said, ‘I’m going to win an Olympic gold medal’ but I didn't do a sport at the time. Then one day my grandparents took us all to a classic car show and there was a have-a-go archery stand. My dad encouraged me to have a go, and I came off with the biggest smile on my face. From there it was a rush to get on a beginners course and I’m still here 10 years later."
Having joined Surrey, Imogen is enjoying the challenge of juggling her sporting career alongside a challenging course.
"I had a lot people warning me it was going to be difficult, but being an athlete you’re always up for a challenge!" she says with a smile. "It’s manageable at the moment but I don’t deny it won’t get hard, especially when I start going out on placements. But [archery and nursing] are both things that I’m really passionate about and really want to continue so I’ll find a way to make it work.
"When I told my tutors about my sports scholarship they were 110% supportive and even showed me the avenues I could go to for support if later down the line I do feel that it’s all getting a bit overwhelming there are other people I can go to and they’ve just been brilliant."
As for the future? "Paris 2024 has been the goal for a long time and getting into the senior GB team and 2023 will be the catalyst for that."
Sailor Sam Blaker is in his second year studying Sport and Exercise Science.
Last summer Sam finished third at the RS Aero Youth World Championships in Weymouth, before competing amongst former world champions and an Olympic gold medalist at the RS Aero European Championships, where he finished a creditable seventh.
As well as winning a bronze medal at the RS Aero Inland Championships he went on to win Surrey's first BUCS medal of the year at the BUCS Fleet Racing Championships.
As a recipient of one of Surrey's Sports Scholarships Awards, Sam benefits from additional financial support as well as the benefits of the Dual Career Programme.
"It has supported me travelling to events," says Sam, who sails at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club in Essex. "Surrey isn’t that close to the sea but I can still travel home at weekends and travel to events.
"There is a very good team community at Surrey, especially within the Dual Career programme – I’m living with two other DC athletes this year and we all just support each other, share experiences."
©Lottie Elizabeth
©Lottie Elizabeth
Juliette Lindsay is a third year studying Veterinary Medicine. A former junior international dressage rider for Great Britain, Juliette is now training up a young horse with the hopes of future senior international selection.
"I've been in partnership with Magic since December 2021," explains Juliette. "It’s still quite new and he’s very young and inexperienced so we’re just training and showing him the world at the moment, which is good because university is quite full on at the moment so I can take a step back on the competition side and I can concentrate more on my studies whilst still training at the same time.
"The course is really tough but as long as I manage my time it’s OK and I get a lot of socialising in as well. I joined the Dual Career programme this year and it has really helped. Because I’m not riding every single day it’s more important for me to keep my fitness up off the horse and with the support from Surrey Sports Park it has been really helpful."
Beyond her dreams of international dressage competitions, Juliette has aspirations of becoming an equine vet.
"I have seen a lot of the sports science side of things through being on the GB squad and it has made me a lot more interested in becoming an equine vet," she says.
Ayo Amolegbe is in his second year studying Accounting and Finance and plays professionally for Surrey Scorchers in the British Basketball League.
Originally from Grays in Essex, Ayo joined the Scorchers Academy after sixth form before applying to study at Surrey the following year.
"It has been great, playing every day and learning as well and it’s just trying to find the balance between school and basketball," says Ayo. "At the start of the year my lectures were clashing with practice time but I spoke to the module leaders and they helped work it out to accommodate my needs."
Ayo scored his first professional points for the Scorchers against Plymouth City Patriots in October 2022.
"Right now I’m at the end of the bench so by the time I graduate I want to be starting in the BBL," he says. "From there I want to play in bigger leagues and see how far I can go. I’d love to play in the NBA, which is the best league in the world, or a high-level league in Europe like the ACB in Spain."
Ayo coaches local school children as part of the Scorchers' community programme and loves feeling part of the Surrey community.
"Growing up I’d never heard of Surrey but playing basketball here and coaching the local kids I feel like there is a real community vibe," he says. "Last season we had a bad season but the fans were still showing the love."
Ayo Amolegbe is in his second year studying Accounting and Finance and plays professionally for Surrey Scorchers in the British Basketball League.
Originally from Grays in Essex, Ayo joined the Scorchers Academy after sixth form before applying to study at Surrey the following year.
"It has been great, playing every day and learning as well and it’s just trying to find the balance between school and basketball," says Ayo. "At the start of the year my lectures were clashing with practice time but I spoke to the module leaders and they helped work it out to accommodate my needs."
Ayo scored his first professional points for the Scorchers against Plymouth City Patriots in October 2022.
"Right now I’m at the end of the bench so by the time I graduate I want to be starting in the BBL," he says. "From there I want to play in bigger leagues and see how far I can go. I’d love to play in the NBA, which is the best league in the world, or a high level league in Europe like the ACB in Spain."
Ayo coaches local school children as part of the Scorchers community programme and loves feeling part of the Surrey community.
"Growing up I’d never heard of Surrey but playing basketball here and coaching the local kids I feel like there is a real community vibe," he says. "Last season we had a bad season but the fans were still showing the love."
Ella Amory is an international student in her third year studying Business Management.
Originally from Belgium, Ella plays rugby for Harlequins Women and has also represented her nation at the World Sevens competition.
“It is very hard, you need to be organised and you need to know why you do things because otherwise you lose sight of everything,” says Ella, who won the Premiership with Harlequins in 2021. “It’s important to stay on top of your work and on top of your training and then also find time where you can fit in some ‘me time’; it’s really important to keep the balance."
Rutuja Naigade
Rutuja is an international student from India studying for a Masters in Economics.
A two-time national champion in Thai kickboxing, Rutuja has also represented India in karate, winning a gold medal at an international event in Malaysia in 2018.
“The sports facilities are amazing and there are so many opportunities here,” says Rutuja. "Being accepted into the Dual Career Programme was my main aim when applying to Surrey. It’s very helpful to have free SSP membership – access to the gym, swimming and physio and classes is wonderful.”
Aya Mirjan
Aya is in her final year studying Business Management and plays football for Sutton United.
“This is my first year in the programme and I didn’t know what to expect but everyone has been really welcoming and I’ve found a good balance between academic, university sport and sport outside of uni,” says Aja, who is originally from Palestine and Iraq.
“Before I started university I visited a bunch of campuses but when I visited Surrey I knew it was the one for me. The campus is crazy, the Sports Park has unbelievable facilities and I immediately saw myself here.
“When you come to Surrey you see talented people around you from all over the world, whether in art, acting or sport; it makes you feel you are part of that group of people who are all talented in their own unique ways.”
Zayden Rabie
Gymnast Zayden is studying for an integrated Masters degree in Chemistry with Forensic Investigation. Originally from Alberta in Canada, Zayden followed his older sister to Surrey.
“Chemistry isn’t an easy programme to get away from but it has been nice talking to my professors and they take an interest in what I do and they actually care about where I am going and what my goals are in the sport,” says Zayden, who finished 24th at the FIG Trampoline Gymnastics World Age Group Competition in Bulgaria in November 2022.
“Going to Bulgaria was an amazing experience. I love the sport and just want to keep going. It has been amazing having people here at Surrey who know what I do and have a similar passion to me. At the moment I am trying to figure out a way to keep training and my next goal is the senior World Championships 2023 which will be in Birmingham.
“I am proud to say I go to the University of Surrey. As soon as I arrived here I felt like I was able to talk to anybody. I felt welcomed and I felt like I belonged here. I have amazing support and appreciate the care that everybody takes in what I do and what I love.”
Rose Harvey
Rose is a second year Paramedic Science student who plays Ultimate Frisbee for Great Britain.
Rose joined the Dual Career programme this year and is loving their course, although they admit it can be a juggle.
“We are half on placement, half in lectures,” explains Rose. “I love being on placement, but getting up at 5am for a 12-hour shift, and finding time to do sport and train alongside the academic side of things is a bit of a juggle!
“Playing Ultimate at Surrey, it’s such a great community – it’s like having a second family. Sometimes Ultimate is overlooked as a sport but for the University to recognise Ultimate as a sport and treat us like they would other athletes and give me this opportunity to be here I’m really grateful.”
Rose Harvey is a second year Paramedic Science student who plays Ultimate Frisbee for Great Britain.
Rose joined the Dual Career programme this year and is loving their course, although they admit it can be a juggle.
“We are half on placement, half in lectures,” explains Rose. “I love being on placement, but getting up at 5am for a 12-hour shift, and finding time to do sport and train alongside the academic side of things is a bit of a juggle!
“Playing Ultimate at Surrey, it’s such a great community – it’s like having a second family. Sometimes Ultimate is overlooked as a sport but for the University to recognise Ultimate as a sport and treat us like they would other athletes and give me this opportunity to be here I’m really grateful.”
Rutuja Naigade from India is an international student studying for a Masters in Economics.
A two-time national champion in Thai kickboxing, Rutuja has also represented India in karate, winning a gold medal in at an international event in Malaysia in 2018.
“The sports facilities are amazing and there are so many opportunities here,” says Rutuja. Being accepted into the Dual Career Programme was my main aim when applying to Surrey. It’s very helpful to have free SSP membership – access to gym, swimming and physio and classes is wonderful.”
Gymnast Zayden Rabie from Canada is studying for an integrated Masters degree in Chemistry with Forensic Investigation.
Originally from Alberta in Canada, Zayden followed his older sister to Surrey.
“Chemistry isn’t an easy programme to get away from but it has been nice talking to my professors and they take an interest in what I do and they actually care about where I am going and what my goals are in the sport,” says Zayden, who finished 24th at the FIG Trampoline Gymnastics World Age Group Competition in Bulgaria in November 2022.
“Going to Bulgaria was an amazing experience. I love the sport and just want to keep going. It has been amazing having people here at Surrey who know what I do and have a similar passion to me. At the moment trying to figure out a way to keep training and my next goal is the senior World Championships 2023 which will be in Birmingham.
“I am proud to say I go to the University of Surrey. As soon as I arrived here I felt like I was able to talk to anybody. I felt welcomed and I felt like I belonged here and just the amazing support I have here and the care that everybody takes in what I do and what I love.”
Zayden in action at Varsity 2023
Zayden in action at Varsity 2023
Aya Mirjan is in her final year studying Business Management and plays football for Sutton United.
“This is my first year in the programme and I didn’t know what to expect but everyone has been really welcoming and I’ve found a good balance between academic, university sport and sport outside of uni,” says Aja who is originally from Palestine and Iraq.
“Before I started university I visited a bunch of campuses but when I visited Surrey I knew it was the one for me. The campus is crazy, the Sports Park has unbelievable facilities and I immediately saw myself here.
“When you come to Surrey you see the talented people around you from all over the world, whether art, acting, sport so it makes you feel you are part of that group of people who are all talented in their own unique ways.”
Rugby players Ethan Clarke, Connor Slevin, Tom Golder, Bryn Bradley and Ben Waghorn are part of the Dual Career programme and have signed professional contracts with Harlequins, playing in the Academy set-up as well as representing Surrey University in BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport).
Ben and Connor were recently called up to the England U20 squad for the Six Nations. Ben scored two tries against Wales, while Bryn represented Wales in the same tournament.
"I can’t guarantee I can make a career out of rugby, injuries come and go, but if you’re studying on the side you've got two avenues you can follow in life."
Ethan Clarke - Sport and Exercise Science (Foundation Year)
"I found it difficult to begin with, but everyone is really supportive. My module leaders understand the commitment we have outside of university so I’ve found my feet and found it a lot easier."
Connor Slevin - Business Management (Second Year)
I love the connection we all have; our work rate and how we bonded so quickly.
Tom Golder - Business Management (First Year).
"It’s a dream to play for Quins. Running out in front of the crowd at The Stoop, the atmosphere was unreal. Also playing for Wales U20s singing the Welsh anthem was pretty emotional in front of all my family."
Bryn Bradley - Business Management (First Year)
I love the sense of community. All the boys get together after the game; there is a good environment – there is a lot of love here!”
Ben Waghorn - Business Management (First Year)
Giselle Burnett and Taren Ayivor-Grant are part of the Surrey Storm Under 21 Academy team.
Giselle, from near Farnborough, is in her first year studying Psychology.
"It’s nice to have my sport, academic and social commitments all in one place and having Taren doing it with me is great," says Giselle.
"I knew the Surrey Storm head coaches [before I came to Surrey] so being able to improve my performance here as well as having an education in a subject that I would really enjoy, having that combination was really attractive.
"I'm hoping to work in sports psychology but I also want to play for Surrey Storm in the Super League. I’ve got another two years in the U21 team but then I want to progress into the Super League team.
"Having so many different people and being able to watch new sports and being surrounded by amazing athletes it’s really inspiring and hearing about where they’ve come from different backgrounds."
Taren, from London, is in her third year studying Media and Communications. Having played within the Surrey Storm programme since she was 16, Taren was familiar with the University before she started applying for university.
“I really liked the course and I knew that the netball was great here and I’d have a good support system,” she says. “I liked that it was close to home but far enough to live on campus.
“You are always surrounded by great athletes and by great people wanting you to do better at your sport. I’m always proud to play for Surrey – it was disappointing in my first year not to be able to play because of Covid so I’ve only had two seasons but still I’m happy to have those two seasons.”
The University of Surrey Boat Club is a rising club on the rowing scene. Under the guidance of Head Coach Sam Tuck, the squad trains at the prestigious Molesey Boat Club on the River Thames. The introduction of the high-performance programme has seen Surrey establish itself as a top University rowing programme.
With four or five water sessions, four ergo sessions and four strength and conditioning sessions a week, it is a big commitment for those on the Dual Career Programme.
Aidan Thompson is studying for a Masters in Data Science, split over two years in order to train full time. Aidan won the BUCS Men’s Championship at the Indoor Championships last Semester and has earned a call up to the Great Britain senior team with the hopes of making the team for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
“The lecturers are very understanding; if I have a lot of commitments I have been able to work things around me,” says Aidan. “It helps me making sure I have a good balance between training and academic.
“I love the community feel here; everyone is friends.”
The women’s team won at the prestigious Henley Regatta last summer, with Ciara Stirrat (left), Ellen Green (second from left) and Eleanor Stratton (right) all part of the Development 4+ that won the Frank V Harry Cup.
Eleanor Stratton, Ellen Green, Ciara Stirrat and Amy Lavelle win the Frank V Harry Cup for Development 4+ at the Henley Women's Regatta (Photo credit: AllMarkOne)
Eleanor Stratton, Ellen Green, Ciara Stirrat and Amy Lavelle win the Frank V Harry Cup for Development 4+ at the Henley Women's Regatta (Photo credit: AllMarkOne)
“Winning Henley was absolutely amazing,” says Ellen. “I’d never rowed before I joined Surrey last year but the places it has taken me I had no idea I could that get far.”
Rhiannon Bowen is in her third and final year at Surrey studying Sport and Exercise Science. In August 2022 Rhiannon won five medals from five events at the English Nationals.
"I wanted to keep performing at a national and elite standard when I came to university," said Rhiannon, who is originally from Bath.
"Everyone here is really positive and welcoming. Everyone is there for each other. If you're struggling, there is always someone to talk to."
Maisie Thornton is in her second year at Surrey studying Sport and Exercise Science.
"Time management is the main thing," says Maisie. "It's just about making sure you're disciplined and getting stuff done on time. All the lectures are recorded so if I can't make a lecture I'll always listen to the recording back.
What makes Maisie Proud to be Surrey? "The positive attitude and how everyone just works together."
Pearle Griffiths is in her first year studying Sport and Exercise Science, but has been training alongside Team Surrey for four years, having been part of the Guildford City Swimming Club.
"Already knowing the coaches and knowing the programme was really appealing," explains Pearle. "Surrey has a strong team that will push me to be better, but not so big that I would get swallowed up.
"I love the team spirit. Everyone is so supportive. I have to train with these people every day but we have a connection and no matter how stressful life gets we've always got each other to talk to."
Emily Ford is a Psychology student in her third and final year at Surrey.
"I'm really happy that I'm still enjoying swimming and studying because trying to get the balance is really hard," says Emily, who wants to be a health psychologist. "Now I'm in my third year and thinking about my future too.
"The support system here is really good. I speak to other people at other universities who don't have that support with swimming and the academic side of things but at Surrey there is always that support and if I'm struggling I know who to go to.
"When I had loads of assignments due and I also had BUCS and a load of competitions all in a short space of time I was able to get a couple of weeks' extension."
Aimee Brownridge is in her first year studying Business Management.
"I applied to universities with swimming programmes but after coming here and speaking to the Head Coach Lee [Spindlow] and training with the team I was pretty sold, I didn't look anywhere else," says Aimee, who is originally from Plymouth.
"I've been selected for some Swim England events and international events and that definitely validates my decision to focus on swimming. There's a lot of early mornings but my accommodation is five minutes away.
"I feel very listened to and appreciated here. I love the team atmosphere we have here; we train together and we all know each other well. We all support each other and want each other to do well."
Surrey Sports Park
Surrey’s world-class sports facilities enables most of our student athletes to train on campus and make the most of our state-of-the-art 120-station gym, fitness studios and Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Located on our Manor Park campus, Surrey Sports Park has welcomed a wealth of sporting talent through its doors since its opening in 2010, including 17 Olympic and Paralympic nations who used the venue as a training camp ahead of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The park, which is open to the public, is currently the full-time training base for a range of elite teams, including Harlequins Rugby Union, netball Super League team Surrey Storm, British Basketball League team Surrey Scorchers and top swimming club Guildford City.
For more information about Surrey Sports Park, visit: surreysportspark.co.uk
Many of the athletes featured above took part in Varsity as Team Surrey beat Royal Holloway in the annual competition to win the trophy for a 12th successive year.
Team Surrey win Varsity for a 12th year in a row
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