For many of our students, this is not their first time representing their country, but their first Commonwealth Games. This is the case for Clare Jones, co-vice captain for Wales Netball in her first Commonwealth Games. When asking Clare about how she feels ahead of the games, she couldn’t be prouder and more excited, as well as thankful for the support she has received from the University of Exeter: 

"I am really excited to be representing my country at not only a home commonwealth games but my first commonwealth games. I am an incredibly proud Welsh woman; however, this selection also importantly allows me to represent my family, friends and all those that have been a part of the journey in getting me to this point of my netball career, which includes University of Exeter.  

I feel so fortunate to have completed my BSc, MSc and now my PhD at Exeter. If it weren't for the support I’ve received here, my sporting career would not have been possible." 

A sport steeped in history at Exeter is Hockey, where the University has five current students or alumni representing their country. One of those students, Millie Holme, only made her first senior international debut last August and has shared some of her thoughts with us ahead of her first game for Wales on Friday 28th July:  

“Words cannot describe how excited I am for the Commonwealth Games. I never thought at this stage in my life I'd be selected. I know I'll be nervous, but I can't wait to get started, put my Welsh shirt on, play against some of the top teams and take the whole atmosphere in.  

I've really enjoyed being at the University of Exeter this year in all aspects. Hockey commitments and studies is never going to be easier to juggle, but I find hockey a nice way of taking a break from work. I think planning my week beforehand has helped me tremendously. It meant that I wasn't stressing as much, as I'd already sorted out my time and what I had to do for the day.” 

Ranging from Medicine to Business degrees, throughout their time at Exeter, each of the students heading to the games has been supported by the Performance Sport programme.  

Through this programme, students access a comprehensive package of support services including state-of-the-art training facilities, expert coaching, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, sports psychology, performance analysis, and a range of performance-athlete workshops. 

Furthermore, as a TASS Dual-Career accredited site, our athletes competing at international level receive further targeted support through the Sport Scholarship Scheme. Whilst receiving financial support to aid their sporting endeavours, these student-athletes receive one-to-one support from qualified lifestyle practitioners to help balance their dual-career demands in both education and sport.  

Commenting on the dual-career support in place, Director of Sport & Grounds Alison Davidson said: 

"Exeter Sport prides itself on offering student-athletes the opportunity to combine full-time academic study alongside often demanding sporting schedules. Our Performance Programme, along with our accreditation as a TASS dual-career site, means we provide vitally important services that ensure our students receive the best-individualised support they can.  

Furthermore, we work closely with our academic colleagues and further professional services to ensure a holistic approach is taken when supporting our student-athletes. 

We couldn’t be prouder of what our student-athletes achieve both academically and sporting and can’t wait to watch them fulfil their ambitions at the Commonwealth Games.” 

Our programmes are generously supported by alumni and donors to the University and we thank them for all their support. To find out more about how you can support Sport here at Exeter, visit our Making the Exceptional Happen campaign, or contact our Global Advancement team at exceptional@exeter.ac.uk.  

Please see the full list of students and alumni that will be competing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games below: 

Coverage of the games will be broadcasted across the BBC where you can watch and cheer on our alumni and current students.