Unleashing student sporting talent
Young athletes' dreams can fade when they begin their studies at university as their responsibilities mount.
Here at Essex we make sure students can fulfil their sporting potential whilst learning vital skills.
Our Performance Sport team is dedicated to fostering talent, in cutting-edge facilities, and has this year established Essex as a Top 30 sporting university.
The passion for excellence
We believe all students should have the opportunity to pursue their athletic dreams and fulfil their academic potential.
Our vision is to support, nurture, and coach talented young sportspeople and make a positive impact on all their lives.
The Performance Sport team is integral in this mission and fosters growth with expert coaching, cutting-edge facilities, and a community of passionate athletes.
Valuing teamwork and competitive spirit, they offer complete support, aiding athletes to balance the demands of sports and studies.
With an international vision the team attracts talent from across the globe - developing top tier athletes for the Essex Rebels professional basketball and volleyball teams.
Away from the Rebels the team focus on tennis and football - but also offers scholarships for athletes involved in anything from fencing to curling.
The dedication of backroom staff and hard work of the student athletes has seen the University achieve its long-term goal of breaking into the Top 30 UK sporting institutions.
This season saw Essex achieve its highest rank in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league at 29 - but the team is not resting on its laurels.
As the programme grows so does the University's ambition and now the team is targeting a Top 25 finish before 2028.
As momentum grows here is how the team built its foundations and key stats that have driven the rise of the Performance Sport Programme.
INCREDIBLE GROWTH
From humble beginnings with just three volleyball players in 2013 the programme has expanded to support an estimated 127 scholars in 2024/25. The team focusses on basketball, volleyball, football, and tennis. However other sports where individuals are supported include track & field, rugby, powerlifting, para swimming, fencing, gymnastics, curling, badminton, cricket, and hockey.
GLOBAL IMPACT
Including -
USA, Brazil, Lithuania, Serbia, Czechia, Bermuda, Cyprus, Canada, Hong Kong SAR, South Africa, India, Italy, Greece, Zimbabwe, Germany, UK, Nigeria, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Norway, Serbia, Slovakia, Croatia, Ireland, Australia, Venezuela, Peru, and Barbados.
BREAKING THE TOP 30
After launching the programme in 2013 the University has climbed up the BUCS table from 45th spot. Just over a decade of work has gone into building a platform for students to succeed and Essex broke into to the top 30 this year - clinching a long-held goal.
THE JOURNEY TO TOP 30
Just over 10 years ago the performance sport programme launches with three student volleyball players.
It is the individuals that make our teams so successful and their dedication put the University on the sporting map.
But our scholars are given more than just the tools to win on the field, here at Essex they are given the opportunity to learn, develop, and grow as people.
A Rebel's Journey
International Claire Paxton shares her story
Essex Rebels talisman Claire Paxton came to the University to chase her basketball dreams – but says she instead found “a home at Essex”.
The 30-year-old captain of the record-breaking women’s team came to Colchester to pursue a Masters in Organised Crime, Terrorism and Security whilst playing.
But has gone on to win GB caps and is now spearheading the push to make Essex a top 25 sporting university in the BUCS table.
Working as the Performance Sport Co-ordinator, Claire is supporting student athletes with recruitment of coaches across sports, athlete support within partnership and administrative support to the Performance Sport management team.
The Scotland international, who competed in the 2022 Commonwealth Games says the University helped her career and urges young players to look at the opportunities available with sports scholarships at Essex.
“I think Essex is great, it is one of these places that didn’t used to be on the map as a basketball player, but it has all the resources to give you the best experience,” said Claire.
“The whole support around our game day compared to other British universities is incredible, basketball is the crown jewel at Essex and you get the best treatment possible."
And added: “I love my job here and it is a lot more fun than a lot of the other things I could be doing, and it is important to me.
“Compared to other universities I feel at home in Essex, I want to see all the teams do well – it is something I’m passionate about.”
The 6ft 2in forward has been an integral part of the growth of the team, with game days now the highlight of the student social scene.
Since arriving in 2021 Claire has guided the Rebels to their first trophy final and played in front of two record crowds in showpiece home games.
Memorably running out in front of an incredible crowd of 1,505 for International Women’s Day in 2023.
And just this Summer Claire played for Great Britain in both the 3x3 and 5-a-side games, facing off against Olympic-bound Germany.
However, it is the smaller moments and tight-knit team that have made her stay at Essex.
“As a basketball player in our league, there’s not many places where you get better support, and the support to get better.” she said.
“The amount of time you have with staff, and access to the team manager and coaches that want you to be able to improve, is great.”
And added: “When I first came here I was with a great group of girls and it sounds cheesy but we were like a family and I’m still best mates with a lot of them now.”
“The whole campus university experience is great and when I got here I didn’t want to leave.”
Away from the flagship women's team our athletes have seen incredible success on the volleyball court.
In just two seasons both men's and women's teams competed in crunch national play-off finals, with the stunning performance seeing young athletes run out for their nations.
Thomas Shatimehin has been one of the stand-out success since running out in The Essex Sport Arena - here is his story.
Serving up success
Rising sport star Thomas Shatimehin, 20, says being a performance scholar has given him skills for life – whilst pushing him to “new heights in my volleyball journey”.
Since launching his career with the Essex Rebels, Thomas has gone on to play for England.
The Sports Performance and Coaching student says his Essex experience has “significantly impacted my life” and given him skills for his future career.
He said: "Being able to showcase my talent in the league has allowed me to compete at a high level, gaining valuable experience and exposure.
“One of the most rewarding moments was being selected for the England squad, a testament to the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my development.
“Additionally, being part of the Essex performance team has further sharpened my skills and given me the chance to train with top athletes, pushing me to reach new heights both on and off the court.
“These experiences have not only advanced my volleyball career but also boosted my confidence, opened doors to new networks, and helped me grow as a person.”
As well as steering Essex to a third-place finish in The Super League and reaching the National Cup Final, Thomas was an integral part of the Blades student side.
The team clinched success against local rivals The University of East Anglia in Derby Day and winning the BUCS league.
Domestic success saw him called up for England where he even played in a televised South Korean tournament.
An achievement he puts down to the support he has received at Essex.
He said: "The coaching has been instrumental in helping me improve my skills and grow as an athlete.
“The fact that they offer guidance in all aspects of the game shows their dedication to my overall development, not just in technical skills but also in game awareness, teamwork, and personal growth.
“Their supportive environment likely plays a big part in building my confidence and helping me reach new heights in my volleyball journey.”
And off the court Thomas says his scholarship has given him skills which he can take into his career.
"Balancing volleyball training and matches with my studies has improved my ability to manage time effectively, a critical skill for both academic success and future career responsibilities," he said.
"The dedication required in volleyball, such as attending practices and staying consistent in improving my skills, often reflects on my academics and work life.
"Volleyball has taught me the importance of staying disciplined and focused, which is useful in achieving academic goals and meeting career deadlines."
With the international urging budding players to give it their all.
He said: "To any student looking to join Essex as an athlete, I’d say work hard and stay committed to your goals.
"Never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve something or that you’re not good enough.
"At Essex, you’ll find opportunities and support, but it’s your dedication and passion that will set you apart and help you succeed both on and off the court."
Rallying behind athletes
Abby Fung, 21, was awarded a full scholarship to pursue her tennis dreams whist studying Sports Therapy and is now taking on a Strength and Conditioning Masters.
The Hongkonger, who finished her undergrad this year, said: "The financial support from last year's bursary and this year's full scholarship has helped me financially and also with professional training sessions, enabling me to continually improve and achieve greater success."
Her academic success has been matched by on-court victories.
Abby reached the National Finals in the BUCS and was awarded "outstanding achievement award" after playing as second seed in the women's first team with no losses on league singles.
She said: "The financial support and training have allowed me to focus fully on my studies and career development.
"They have enhanced my skills, deepened my knowledge, and provided practical experience, all of which are crucial for my career on both academics and tennis.
"Since coming to Essex, I’ve had the opportunity to play more tennis and compete against strong opponents from other universities, which has greatly improved my skills and allowed me to learn from top players.
"More, the high-quality education I’ve received has contributed to both my future career and personal growth."
And Abby urges any young athlete to consider studying at Essex.
"I would tell a student looking to join Essex as an athlete that it’s a fantastic opportunity both academically and athletically," she said.
"The university provides excellent facilities, top-tier coaching, and the chance to compete at a high level.
"You will be challenged to grow!"
Find out more
Find out more about how we support athletes
Explore the programme's full details and uncover all the ways athletes are supported.
Learn more about research and courses
Investigate research and courses at our School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences.
Sixty Stories
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