Bio
How I Started:
As a child I was very sporty and played football at Quorn Football Club as a goalkeeper when I was nine years old. I played in the league with them until I was 12 years old. During this time I was invited to the Leicester City Foxes Goalkeeping Academy, and the dream was to be the Goalkeeper for England. When I was 12 I had a rollerskating accident leaving me with a hip condition called Avascular Necrosis, at the time I only really knew that I couldn’t play football anymore, and a year later I knew I had to do some form of sport and stay active so I found a give-it-a-go session with my local wheelchair basketball team who are called the Leicester Cobra’s. I loved the sport straight away and began training with their development team and women’s team. This women’s team led me to be scouted to attend an DiSE camp, where the GB coaches saw me and offered a spot at a GB session later on in that day, and that’s where my journey with GB started.
My Greatest Achievement:
My greatest achievement has been becoming a two-time Paralympian. The same year I graduated with my degree in Primary Education I was selected duo army first senior tournament, which happened to be the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. So in this same year I graduated with a First in my degree, and became a Paralympian! To be selected for the squad I had to attend camps all summer long and have my speed and strength tested to ensure that I would be the right fit for the Paralympic Squad. In the lead up to this I had a good season so I was confident about my Basketball ability, but my confidence in being selected for the Paralympics fluctuated over this time.
My Greatest Challenge:
My greatest challenge has been managing my teaching in schools, and the very full-time aspect of training at this level. Additionally, prioritising Basketball over family and friends has been a sacrifice I have had to make, missing out on big life events that would like to be at.
My Hobbies:
Outside of Basketball I like to travel around the country to see my friends and spend time with them. I also like to plan time to see my family too around my very full on schedule! I enjoy collection pins from he places and competitions that I go to.
My Future Aspirations:
In the future I aim to make history and be part of the first women’s GB team to medal at the Paralympics. In the far future, after my career has come to an end I would like to stay involved in disability sports, whether that be coaching or working with grass root children, getting them involved.
