I chose to study the Sport and Exercise Psychology MSc at Loughborough because it aligns closely with a career aspirations. This interest developed through my experiences playing academy football while growing up. During that time, I faced several long-term injuries, which I found challenging to manage, particularly due to the setbacks and feelings of isolation they brought.

These experiences highlighted the importance of the psychological aspects of sport in supporting both wellbeing and performance, especially as I had limited access to this type of support myself. As a result, I developed a strong passion for helping athletes reach their full potential and perform at their best.

I went on to complete my BSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Loughborough and progressing to the MSc felt like a natural next step. With its strong focus on key theories alongside real-world application within sport, this MSc programme has prepared me well for my current stage of training as a developing Sport Psychologist practitioner.

My end-of-year project explored coaches’ and athletes’ perceptions of how the quality of their relationship changes during injury rehabilitation. This was a personally meaningful topic that aligned with my previous experiences and my career aspiration of becoming a Sport Psychologist. It also enabled me to further develop my critical thinking skills by examining different perspectives of support and identifying ways psychologists can help maintain strong relationships. As a practitioner, the ability to think critically will be essential in helping me make informed decisions regarding appropriate approaches, observations and reflective practice.