Tig Wilks

A Gloucestershire student says she’s proud to have balanced academic life and elite sporting achievements, as she accepts a prestigious scholarship award. 

21-year-old Physical Education student Tig Wilks has been awarded a £1,000 Academic Scholarship award from the University of Worcester for excellent achievement in her first year of study. 

“It means a great deal to be me to be recognised for the hard work and dedication that I have invested into my studies so far,” said Tig. “I hope that it will help me continue working towards a first-class degree.” 

Tig, who also plays wheelchair basketball at an elite level, said the University of Worcester was the obvious choice for her when deciding where to study. 

“The reputation that Worcester holds for sport and teaching education is excellent, and I felt as though the staff created a supportive and inclusive environment throughout the application process,” she said. 

Tig has immersed herself fully in university life since joining. She said: “My biggest success at university so far has been my ability to hold myself to high academic standards while participating in extracurricular sport and teaching part time.” 

She added: “I hope to continue managing my time between sport and academia this year while competing in the British Wheelchair Basketball National League and Women’s Premier League.” 

Professor Sally Moyle, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic at the University, said: “We are incredibly proud of the students who have received academic scholarships.”  

The scholarships and prizes are supported by generous philanthropists, including the University’s distinguished Honorary Fellows, local employers and many successful graduates of the University. 

Staff at the University have also been raising funds for scholarship and hardship funds as part of the University’s two-year Anniversaries Campaign, celebrating 20 years since gaining full university status in 2005, and 80 years since being founded as an emergency teacher training college in 1946. 

Professor Moyle said: “These awards demonstrate to potential employers the outstanding achievements of our students, while providing financial support and encouragement for those who’ve earned them.”