Name: Alex Walker
Age: 22
University: University of Bath
Studying: Masters in Business
University Tennis Ranking: 2
Career Highlights: 2014 British Universities Singles Champion, 6th place BNP Paribas University Tennis Masters 2014, 2013 Bronze Medal at BNP Paribas University Tennis Masters, winner British Tour event in Bath 2015.
As one of Bath University’s most talented tennis players Alex Walker is a familiar name on the British University and Colleges Sport (BUCS) circuit. She’s also an athlete on the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) which provides funding and support to talented athletes to help them balance academic life with training and competition. As part of the Tennis Foundation’s new ‘Spotlight On’ series we spoke to her about the support she receives, her role as a University Tennis Coordinator and just how she manages to juggle training, competing and studying.
You’ve had a really strong season so far with some great wins - congratulations!
I definitely feel like I’ve made good progress with my game so far this season and have had some great results over the past few months. I’d say my highlights have been my performance at the BNP Paribas Master U event where I won four of my six matches, beating the former junior world no.1, and winning my home British Tour event at the University of Bath. Being on TASS has allowed me to balance all of my commitments more effectively, and I feel that the work I’ve done in the gym with my strength and conditioning (S&C) coach (Tom Drowley) has played a key part in the successes I have achieved.
You’re an athlete on the TASS scheme, what does this involve?
TASS has enabled me to have two S&C sessions a week with the head S&C coach at Bath and it’s been great working with him. I also get two ‘pre-hab’ sessions a week which include my S&C coach and my physio.
How has this support helped your tennis?
TASS has enabled me to get access to that kind of professional support which I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to receive so it’s been excellent.
I had a back injury and I was having to see the physio up to three times a week leading up to the BNP Paribas University Tennis Masters at the end of last year and it was touch and go whether I would actually be able to compete. But fortunately because of the support I had and the communication between my physio, the S&C coach and my tennis coaches they were all able to combine and work together to find a way to get me fit enough to play.
You’re also a University Tennis Coordinator, explain what this involves…
My role as the University Tennis Coordinator at Bath basically involves providing as many opportunities as possible for students, staff and members of the general public to get involved in tennis, no matter what their background in the sport. This includes the organisation of structured coaching sessions, competitive opportunities, charity events and opportunities to gain qualifications in coaching (to name a few!). Whatever people may want to get out of their involvement in tennis, I try and provide the chance to do so!
How do you juggle your studies with training and competing?
I’m currently studying for a Masters degree at the University of Bath, it’s challenging fitting in my studies and tennis training and competing but I’m fortunate that I have a team both on the academic side and the tennis side that understand all my different commitments and communicate with each other to help me do everything to the best of my ability.
As part of TASS I also have a meeting with a lifestyle manager arranged who hopefully will offer me advice and support to keep the balance between tennis and studying.
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