Sophie Carrigill
Photo courtesy of Sam Mellish and British Wheelchair Basketball
A Paralympian who has represented Great Britain on the world stage and become one of the country's leading wheelchair basketball players has been recognised with the Outstanding Sportsperson Award at the inaugural University of Worcester Alumni Awards.
Sophie Carrigill, who studied Sports Psychology at the University of Worcester between 2013 and 2016, received the award in recognition of her outstanding sporting achievements and contribution to elite disability sport.
Since graduating, Sophie, who hails from Leeds, has represented Great Britain at three Paralympic Games and enjoyed success on the international stage, including winning a silver medal at the 2018 World Championships and four silver medals at European Championships. Alongside her sporting career, she has also completed a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology.
A prominent figure in British wheelchair basketball, Sophie has become an inspirational role model both on and off the court, demonstrating resilience and determination throughout her sporting journey.
“I truly feel honoured to have been recognised with this award,” she said. “The University will always be a special place to me, my life grew and evolved beyond measure during my time there. It is a really proud moment.”
Looking back on her time at Worcester, Sophie says the University provided the environment and support she needed to pursue excellence in both academia and elite sport.
“It provided me with an amazing training base where I was able to fully commit to being an athlete and also provided me the support and encouragement from the staff to be able to succeed in both my degree as well as my commitments to wheelchair basketball,” she said.
While balancing the demands of studying and competing at the highest level was challenging, some of her fondest memories are the early morning training sessions that helped shape her career.
Throughout her time at the University, Sophie was a key member of Worcester’s renowned wheelchair basketball programme, which has produced several international athletes and Paralympians.
The inaugural University of Worcester Alumni Awards celebrate graduates who have achieved outstanding success and made a significant impact in their chosen fields.