A TEESSIDE University graduate who started playing rugby in the region has been named as one of the top three women players in the world.
Sophie Spence, an Ireland rugby international, graduated with an MSc Sport Psychology and taught at Hartlepool Sixth Form College for three years.
She is one of three players to be shortlisted for Women’s Player of the Year 2015 alongside New Zealand scrum-half Kendra Cocksedge and France captain Gaëlle Mignot.
“The nomination is a huge honour, something I didn't expect - I am very thankful but still very shocked,” said Sophie.
Sophie Spence and team mate Jenny Murphy with the Six Nations trophy
Sophie, who also completed her undergraduate degree at Teesside University, has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top of her sport and is a key member of the Ireland women’s rugby team, winning the Six Nations Championships earlier this year.
She only started playing rugby during her time at Teesside when she was encouraged to give it a go by a friend.
Sophie now works as a Rugby Development Officer at Dublin City University and has already been named Guinness Rugby Writers Women's Player of the Year.
She said: “Teesside is a great university to attend and the sports programme was amazing.
“The opportunities for students, for both work and socialising, are brilliant and through my course and sport I met some of my best friends.”
The winner of the Women’s Player of the Year 2015 will be announced on November 1.
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