As part of Heriot-Watt University's Women in Sport Week we caught up with some of our sport scholars to find out more about their sporting journeys, inspirations and experiences. From European Championship triumphs and competing at the highest level to supporting younger generations through community outreach, our scholars have done it all! Read on to find out more!
Kori Fital - Karate
When did you first get involved with sports?
I started participating in sports at the age of 5, focusing on karate. When I was 9, I also joined a football team and balanced both football and karate for a few years. However, at 12, I made the tough decision to stop playing football to fully dedicate myself to my karate journey.
What inspired you to pursue a career in sports, and who were your role models?
My older brother was the one who inspired me to take up karate, as he was the first in our family to start the sport. Since I was too young to join at the time, I would sit on the side-lines and watch him master the moves. He later stopped karate to pursuit football, and he has had a huge impact on both my sporting journey and my everyday life.
I’ve been able to maintain this passion due to the supportive people around me. My family is my biggest source of encouragement and motivation, inspiring me to strive for more in this sport, and I am forever grateful for them.
How do you feel that sport has influenced your personal growth and development?
Karate has instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, both on and off the mat. It has taught me to consistently give 100% effort in everything I do, whether the task is big or small.
Has sport helped you overcome any challenges or adversity?
Last year, I underwent surgery to address a long-standing injury. During my rehabilitation, I struggled with a loss of confidence and felt quite self-conscious about returning to my sport, due to being away for so long. Despite this, I remained highly motivated and determined to get back on the mat and do what I love most.
Can you share a memorable experience where sport has empowered you or others around you?
In 2020, I became the first Scottish female to win the European championships. Achieving one of my lifelong dreams with my friends and family by my side was a surreal moment. I felt incredibly proud, not only for making Scottish history but also for proving to myself what I am capable of in my sport.
What advice would you give to students interested in recreational or competitive sports?
I would suggest finding something you’re truly passionate about. That passion will keep you motivated and drive you to continuously push for more and reach new goals.
Jenna Penman - Football
What inspired you to pursue a career in sports, and who were your role models?
Sport has always been a huge part of my life and something that I have enjoyed for as long as I can remember. The idea of a career in football was never really something that I considered growing up, I simply played it as I loved the game, but now it is something that I work towards every day.
The biggest role models in my life are my parents. They both encouraged me to play when I was younger and without their support, I would never be in the position that I am today.
How do you feel that sport has influenced your personal growth and development?
Being part of many teams in different sports has benefitted me greatly. The social side of team sports is fantastic, but it also teaches you so many other different life skills. Accountability and teamwork, as well as leadership, are a few of the skills that I have picked up through sport and use in my day-to-day life.
Has sport helped you overcome any challenges or adversity?
Sport has always been a space where I can truly be myself and often get away from outside stresses. Playing sport alongside studying can be very busy and overwhelming but when I train and get on the pitch, I don’t think about all the work I have to do, and I find it a great way to take my mind off all the other things going on in my life.
Can you share a memorable experience where sport has empowered you or others around you?
I have been involved in various projects that help the community as well as inspire younger generations. This includes helping out at kids’ football camps and doing hospital visits, where I interact with the kids, answer questions and have a kickabout with them. Showing young girls that they can aspire to be professional footballers is important to me and is very rewarding.
What advice would you give to students who are looking to get involved with sports?
I would say 100% do it! It doesn’t matter if you have played for years or have no experience at all, I don’t see any downsides to taking part in sport. Making friends is so easy as you often have similar interests, as well as being a great way to add more exercise into your schedule.
Emily Love - Rugby
When did you first get involved with sports?
I have been involved in sports for as long as I can remember, always going to the Easter and summer sports camps that were nearby. I joined a hockey club when I was 8 years old and joined rugby when I was 10.
How do you feel that sport has influenced your personal growth and development?
Sport has always helped me meet new people who have similar interests and make long lasting friendships. This is a skill I have been able to use in all walks of life, as I have found it easy to connect with people and become friends with them.
Has sport helped you overcome any challenges or adversity?
If I ever had a bad day in school, or been struggling with something, getting myself to training has always put me in a better mood. Getting to run around makes me feel happier and just speaking with my teammates has improved my mood.
What advice would you give to students interested in recreational or competitive sports?
Go for it! It is a great way to meet new people who share a passion with you, even if it is just for a bit of fun. It’s a good way to connect with people outside of an academic setting.
What inspired you to pursue a career in sports, and who were your role models?
I love playing rugby and get excited about potentially having a career in the sport I love so much! I have always looked up to the trail blazers in women’s sports, particularly those in women’s rugby like Lisa Thompson, Rhona Lloyd, Lana Skeldon and Portia Woodman, who have paved the way for people like me to get into regional programs.
Can you share a memorable experience where sport has empowered you or others around you?
The feeling of being part of a team is always incredible. I will never forget when I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to go to Wales and compete for the Scotland U18’s team in the Six Nations. After one, quite difficult, training session, we were waiting for our bus to take us back to the hotel. After 10 minutes of waiting in our wet kit, one of the girls decided to play some Scottish music and we ended up having a Ceidlh in the middle of the car park for about half an hour while we waited for our bus to come. This is something that brought us a lot closer as a team and made our connections with each other stronger.
Katriona Ross - Squash
What inspired you to pursue a career in sports, and who were your role models?
My career began with moving to Edinburgh to study and be closer to the national training centre. In all honesty, there were no real female role models at that time. Especially in the women's game, there were no top Scottish squash players, whereas now we have the likes of Lisa Aitken and Georgia Adderley all pushing for the top 20.
I looked up to the players in the senior programme, but my main role models came from the likes of Jess Ennis-Hill or players from other nations like Nicol David or Laura Massaro.
How do you feel that sport has influenced your personal growth and development?
I'm a very determined individual but sport has taught me to challenge myself and overcome setbacks. Elite sport puts you through a rollercoaster of emotions on a daily basis that most people don't have to deal with. You can lose and feel like your world is caving in on you on a regular basis, then win the next week and be on top of the world. Dealing with the extremes is something unique that you can use in daily life to be more resilient.
Can you share a memorable experience where sport has empowered you or others around you?
A massive one is the European Clubs championships. As a University, we qualified for the first time this year, winning Scottish National League. We weren't sure how we were going to get on, but we knew we were in for a tough week. As a group of players that didn't spend that much time together, it was brilliant to see how much we bonded and rallied behind each other during such a short space of time. We exceeded all expectations and came within touching distance of a medal, an unexpected result for all of us!
Eilidh Davies - Football
What inspired you to pursue a career in sports, and who were your role models?
My sports role models growing up were Eilidh Child, Kim Little and my first PE teacher, Mrs Bell.
I enjoyed watching lots of different sports when I was younger, mostly on TV, but also going to events like tennis matches, athletics, rugby, football games, so I was always in and around sport and saw from a young age that it could be a professional career.
I always wanted to do my best when I played sport and was motivated by this goal. It was only when I got closer and closer to the professional environment, that I realised it was something I’d love to do.
How do you feel that sport has influenced your personal growth and development?
Sport has taught me lots of things that can be applied to everyday life. I think learning how to be honest and respectful comes with playing sport, but also learning how to be empathetic and help those around you.
Has sport helped you overcome any challenges or adversity?
Training for a game really helps me face challenges. If I'm ever stressed or overwhelmed, sport provides the necessary rest time, where I can switch off and focus on sport and sport alone. Often at University, after a long day in lectures, it can be nice to go to training and exert some energy rather than going home and not having a chance to clear my head.
Can you share a memorable experience where sport has empowered you or others around you?
I had a coach that was going through a tough time, and despite this they still showed up and coached our team in a game. We weren't playing very well but they were calm and knew what we needed to hear to try to win. When reflecting after the game, it was amazing to think how they were able to put everything else going on aside to help the team, but equally we were helping them by giving them a space to not have to think about anything else.
What advice would you give to students who are looking to get involved with sports?
Do it! The people you connect wit along the way may be some of the best people you'll ever meet. All my closest friends come from meeting through sport or playing sport with them at some point.
Yu Ng Chen - Squash
What inspired you to pursue a career in sports, and who were your role models?
My role models in squash are Nicol David and Low Wee Wern. I chose to pursue a career in squash, while also being a full-time student, because I enjoy the challenges it brings.
Being a student athlete is very challenging, both physically and mentally. It takes a lot of self-discipline, time management and resilience but it has also opened doors to meeting new people and building lasting relationships.
Can you share a memorable experience where sport has empowered you or others around you?
I love coaching little kids in squash and seeing them enjoy the sport. Coaching has taught me patience, leadership and the joy of watching others grow. I feel a sense of fulfilment when they look forward to coming to my sessions and gradually improve in their game.
Feeling inspired and want to find out more about everything our Sports Scholarship Programme has to offer? Find out more on our dedicated webpages.