CLASS OF 2024: Lucy proves she’s a good sport after graduating

Lucy Renshall, 28, has proved she’s a good sport after graduating from the University of Wolverhampton with a degree in Physical Education and School Sport. 

Originally from St Helens, Lucy moved to the West Midlands in 2013 to pursue her Judo career at the ‘Home of British Judo’ based at the University’s Walsall Campus – and this was one of the main reasons she chose to study a degree.

Alongside her studies, Lucy was also a WLV Sport Scholar, representing WLV Sport as she competed in judo championships and competitions across the world.

Having competed at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, Lucy is now on course for success by setting up her own sports business with the aim of eventually becoming an Olympic sports coach herself.

She said: “I’ve had a really hard four years studying as well as full-time training so I’m really relieved to be graduating. Going into full-time study I knew it was going to be hard but judo was always my priority. I knew I had to work well with the lecturers in order to balance judo with my University studies and I can’t praise them enough.

“Sometimes I was away for three or four weeks when I was at training camps and the lecturers really helped me to get my degree.

“I recently set up a judo club with my partner and I’m hoping to one day be the Olympic team judo coach. The past four years have been amazing and, even though I never really wanted to do a degree, I’m glad I took on the challenge. I’ve learned so much.”

Graduates are encouraged to keep in touch with the Alumni team and take advantage of a range of benefits and support on offer to them including a discount for Postgraduate study and opportunities to benefit from volunteering and career advice.     

Find out more about School of Sport courses on the website or visit one of our Open Days for more information about studying at the University.    

To find out more about graduate success, check out the Every Story Has a Start web page which showcases our exceptional alumni across the globe doing incredible things. High achievers from the worlds of literature, business, sport, film and the arts feature, sharing how their lives and careers have developed since their days studying with us.