College student athletes are benefitting from some world-beating knowledge and experience, from Team GB Olympian and current Commonwealth Boxing Champion Savannah Marshall in her role as an Athlete Mentor at her old college
Savannah, 24 of Hartlepool, studied a BTEC National Diploma Sport & Exercise at the College, gaining a Distinction. She credits the flexible support she received while there as a major reason she was able to achieve her many accolades – including being the first British female boxer ever to win a world title, fighting in China in 2012.
During her studies she was frequently called upon to compete and train around the world, which often took her way for long periods of time. College lecturers worked with Savannah to make sure that she could continue studying flexibly while following her dream of representing her country at the highest possible level.
Now Savannah, nicknamed “The Silent Assassin”, has returned to the College in a much more vocal capacity – inspiring and educating the stars of the future as part of the College’s TeamHCFE programme.
TeamHCFE Head Coach and Sports Lecturer Ian Clark said “TeamHCFE is designed to bring together all aspiring athletes from across the College, no matter what their sport. We provide the highest level of support including individualised strength and conditioning programming, recovery and rehabilitation, and financial support with kit and equipment. Our aim is to support athletes to achieve both here at the College and in their chosen sport. Savannah is living proof that the very top is within reach for those willing to work hard to reach it, and her input and guidance will be huge for our students.”
Savannah will balance her commitments with the GB women’s boxing teams with her role at the College. Already reaping the benefits of her mentoring are two boxing prospects hoping to follow in her footsteps, and they are already impressing the former World Champion. “I’ve already started by working with two bright female boxing prospects, Shelby Brazell and Sadie Thomas. I hope that, as we have followed very similar paths, my mentoring and experience will support Shelby and Sadie to win both in and out of the ring.”
Savannah added “I believe that if you’re dedicated and motivated and have the will to achieve, then you will achieve your dreams – but I couldn’t have done it without HCFE. I’m really happy to give something back. I am thrilled to back at the College, where it all started for me, helping in any way I can.”
To find out more about Hartlepool College’s Sports courses and sporting opportunities for students on all HCFE courses call Student Services on01429 295000 or search #TeamHCFE.
