Meet the team

Director of Health, Wellbeing and Sport

Alison started at Exeter as Director of Sport over 10 years ago, following a successful career in strategic sports management. Over this time, her remit has evolved, formerly providing leadership to the grounds operations service and subsequently Student Wellbeing and Welfare Services. In recognition of the role of physical activity and mental health in the wellbeing of students and their success at University the combination of the departments under one Director, signals the University’s commitment to student wellness.

As part of the senior leadership team within Education and Academic Services, Alison supports student success and experience with a key focus on belonging.

A passionate advocate for the value of sport, Alison is a member of the BUCS Senior Managers Executive and a trustee for the Devon Cricket Foundation.

Email: alison.davidson@exeter.ac.uk

Phone: 07468 715491

Head of Performance

Charlotte leads on all aspects of Performance Sport at the University including the Sport Scholarship Scheme and individual Performance Sport Programmes.

Charlotte graduated from the University of Exeter with a BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science, before obtaining an MSc in Sport Psychology from UWIC in 2004. She holds an interest in the wellbeing and lifestyle management of elite sportsmen and women, and in particular the dual-career demands of the student-athlete and holds a Level 3 qualification in Talented Athlete Lifestyle Support (TALS) a Foundation Certificate in Counselling Psychology and is a Mental Health First Aider.

Email: c.r.hale@exeter.ac.uk

Phone: 01392 722294

Head of Performance

Charlotte leads on all aspects of Performance Sport at the University including the Sport Scholarship Scheme and individual Performance Sport Programmes.

Charlotte graduated from the University of Exeter with a BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science, before obtaining an MSc in Sport Psychology from UWIC in 2004. She holds an interest in the wellbeing and lifestyle management of elite sportsmen and women, and in particular the dual-career demands of the student-athlete and holds a Level 3 qualification in Talented Athlete Lifestyle Support (TALS) a Foundation Certificate in Counselling Psychology and is a Mental Health First Aider.

Email: c.r.hale@exeter.ac.uk

Phone: 01392 722294

Senior Sports Operations Manager

Paul has worked in the sport and leisure industry for over 30 years in a variety organisations with a vast array of facilities. Paul leads the 'Operations Team' here in Sport, managing a wide range of facilities, Business and Marketing.

Email: p.kirby2@exeter.ac.uk 

Phone: 07866138505

Senior Sports Operations Manager

Paul has worked in the sport and leisure industry for over 30 years in a variety organisations with a vast array of facilities. Paul leads the 'Operations Team' here in Sport, managing a wide range of facilities, Business and Marketing.

Email: p.kirby2@exeter.ac.uk 

Phone: 07866138505

Competitions and Events Coordinator

After working in Mental Health and supporting Young adults with learning difficulties, Vicky has moved across to the University of Exeter to follow her passion for the sport.

Vicky has a keen following of all sports, making her role at Exeter perfect. Her role involves overseeing all the BUCS teams for BUCS Wednesday, making sure all the logistics are completed which includes transport, fixtures, officials, and hotel stays. Safe to say she doesn't stop!

Vicky is also a keen Netball player and coach. Having played at Regional level 1, Vicky now enjoys coaching teams from Juniors to seniors. She is currently the secretary for our local league as well Exeter Netball Club. As well as this, Vicky also team manages an NPL franchise for U21. When she is not coaching or facilitating, Vicky really enjoys cooking and travelling.

Email: aubucs@exeter.ac.uk

Business Support Officer - Sports Bookings

Karen joined the team in November 2022, bringing a wealth of front-line experience.

Email: sportsbookings@exeter.ac.uk

Phone: 01392 722255

Customer Service Advisor

Vanessa is an experienced CSA having worked at the University Sports Park for a number of years. Prior to joining the CSA team Vanessa worked in the gym industry and as a fitness instructor.

Email: exetersport@exeter.ac.uk

Phone: 01392724452 (Sports Park reception)

Customer Service Advisor

Jase is part of the CSA team, working specific hours at the Sports Park, mainly during the University Term times. Prior to joining the University of Exeter Sports Park team in 2017, Jason reskilled as a personal trainer and went on to become a studio instructor for Les Mills teaching Body Combat & Body Pump for the University and other fitness centres across Devon.

Email: exetersport@exeter.ac.uk

Phone: 01392724452 (Sports Park reception)

Customer Service Advisor

James is part of the Sports Park CSA team, working specific early morning shifts during University term-times.

Email: exetersport@exeter.ac.uk

Phone: 01392724452 (Sports Park reception)

Customer Service Advisor

Sue is part of the Sports Park CSA team, working specific term-time shifts. Sue has been working at the Sports Park since the RS Gym opened in 2013 and has previously worked in the leisure industry and is committed to providing a positive customer experience to all.

Email: exetersport@exeter.ac.uk

Phone: 01392724452 (Sports Park reception)

Community Tennis Programme & Tournament Administrator

Ann coordinates all our Coach Education courses and Tennis competitions at the Centre. She is an LTA DBS verifier and also our Welfare officer. Ann has a wealth of tennis knowledge having worked for the LTA for 8 years as Cornwall’s Country administrator. Over the years she has forged a great rapport with colleagues and friends within the tennis world. 

Email: a.williams5@exeter.ac.uk

Phone: 07944317547

Operations Manager - Sport & Wellbeing

I have always had a passion for sport and physical activity. Having participated my entire life in various outlets at various levels, I started my career without realising it as a teenager coaching rugby union. After obtaining my degree and spending a small amount of time in the agricultural industry, I moved out to Australia and re-joined the sport and leisure industry playing Rugby and running a franchise gym for 5 years. This is where I really started my career and progressed from trainer to supervisor, to manager bringing me to getting my current role at the University of Exeter.

I have a huge passion for Rugby Union and although I have recently retired from playing will always be involved in some way shape or form. To stay fit and active, which I see as an extremely important part of life, I have recently taken up Crossfit and love the daily challenge.  My life is generally spent being active with a big love for the outdoors too, from surfing to hiking you can find me out in nature in my spare time.

Qualifications:

• BA (Hons) Sports Development and Coaching
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma Sports Development and Coaching
• Level 2 Gym Instructor
• RFU Level 2 Coach
• Mental Health First Aid
• First Aid at Work

Email: h.a.j.anderson-brown@exeter.ac.uk

Health and Fitness Consultant

So it’s fair to say I have always been obsessed, and consequently involved in Sports and in particular Sports Coaching. I started going to Judo classes when I was 8 years old spurred on by the exploits of Bruce Lee! By the end of my Judo career I had won 8 British titles plus various Youth & Team medals. I gained my Black Belt at 15 and obtained my BJA Club Coach award shortly after on my 16th Birthday. I also represented my country at Junior level. I continued coaching fight specific athletes (Judo, Wrestling, Boxing & MMA) right up until I moved to Devon and found a real niche in developing fight-based conditioning classes.

Once in Devon I took up running and competed at distances ranging from 10km all the way through to Ultra Trail racing (+30 miles). True to form I encouraged lots of my friends to get into running and this resulted in a UK Athletics Association Club Coach award and a job with a Military Fitness company.

I took the final career jump in 2014 when I quit my corporate job and went back to PT school full time. After 10 months of study I got a job with Premier Training and spent almost 2 years teaching Level 2, Level 3 & Class Instructor courses to Further Ed students. Currently I’m working in The Sports Park as a Health & Fitness Consultant and Class Instructor (Indoor Cycling, Kettlebells, Bootcamp & Sculpt)

Qualifications:

• Level 4 - Weight Management & Diabetes Treatment.
• Level 3 - GP Referral
• Level 3 - Personal Trainer
• Level 3 - Pre & Post Natal Exercise
• Level 3 - First Aid
• Level 2 - Fitness Advisor
• Level 2 - Indoor Cycling
• Level 2 - Circuit Training
• Level 2 - Kettlebells
• Level 2 - Boxercise
• BJA Judo Coach
• UK Athletics Coach in Running Fitness
• Postural Assessment & Corrective Exercise

Email: healthandfitness@exeter.ac.uk

Health and Fitness Consultant

I started using the gym as a place to get stronger and build muscle although at first, I was anxious with no idea where to start. I now have over 10 years of gym-based experience and have broadened my scope by taking part in bodybuilding competitions.

My confidence in gym-based programming is complimented by my undergraduate degree in Clinical Exercise Science and Masters in Sport Management. I have in-depth knowledge of health and fitness testing, programming and training. My main passion is to help others build the confidence to train effectively, using various equipment. I have supported clients in learning about weight training, building muscle and losing fat. If you’re unsure or intimidated by the gym, nutrition or just getting started I can guide you through every step!

Qualifications:

• MSc Sport Management
• BSc (Hons) Clinical Exercise Science (Health and Rehabilitation)
• Level 3 – Personal Trainer
• Level 3 - GP Referral
• Level 2 – Fitness Instructor
• Level 2 – Indoor Cycling

Email: healthandfitness@exeter.ac.uk

Health and Fitness Consultant

I’ve not taken the usual route into the Fitness Industry, I spent over 15 years working in the Outdoor Industry coaching Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding and White Water Rafting.

Due to a degenerative eye condition I’ve changed my career path out of necessity. I wanted to continue inspiring, coaching and instructing people and found being a Personal Trainer allowed me to do this, in a more controlled environment. I tend to use Functional Training Exercises for my clients, helping to improve core strength, balance and coordination. Skills which benefit everyday life as well as gym performance.

I look forward to working with you and helping you to achieve your goals, whatever they are!

Qualifications:

• Fitness Instructing Level 2
• Personal Trainer Level 3
• 16 hour First Aid at Work
• BCU Level 3 Kayak Coach
• BCU Stand-up Paddleboard Coach
• IRF Level 3 Raft Guide
• IRF Safety Kayak
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• ERCA High Ropes Trainer

Email: healthandfitness@exeter.ac.uk

Health and Fitness Consultant

From competitive youth sports, resistance training, to over a decade of education and experience, I have become an established and complete Exercise Physiologist.

Background of ten years Personal Training, including over five years Physically Rehabilitating individuals and groups with health and/or elite sport specific goals, complex injuries and/or disabilities, movement correction, and dietary analysis.

During this, I have completed significant research and gained substantial professional practice in neuromusculoskeletal injury assessment, identification, and (p)rehabilitation. Possess extensive experience and clinical study in anatomy & physiology, biomechanics, ergogenic nutrition, and exercise programming.

In my spare time, I enjoy skating, climbing, adventuring, visiting new places, and more. I have taught my daughter to swim, ride a bike, and climb. I like to meet with friends, watch series/movies and elite sports/podcasts, and further research movement and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Qualifications:

• MSc Sports Rehabilitation (BASRaT)
• BSc (Hons) Health, Exercise & Physical Activity
• Level 3 Exercise (GP) Referral
• Level 3 Personal Training
• Level 3 Sports Massage Therapy
• Level 3 Sports Development (Coaching & Fitness)
• Level 2 Fitness Instructing (Gym-Based Exercise)
• Level 2 Gym Instructor
• Level 2 Instructing Kettlebells
• Level 2 Indoor Cycling Instructor
• Level 2 Sports Leadership
• Level 2 Nutrition
• Level 1 Strength & Conditioning

Email: healthandfitness@exeter.ac.uk

Sports Services Manager

A former University of Exeter Sports Science student, completing her undergraduate and masters at Exeter, Nicky joined the performance team in 2014. Part of the netball performance programme whilst at University, Nicky continues to play for Exeter Netball Club in the England Netball Premier 2 League. Outside of the netball season Nicky enjoys running for South West Road Runners and competes in GB AG Aquathlon.

As Sports Services Manager Nicky leads on the organisation of support services for the University performance athletes and also coordinates the core services for TASS athletes as the TASS Athlete Coordinator. These services include S&C, physiotherapy, performance analysis and athlete lifestyle support. She also manages the University of Exeter TASS sailing hub delivered in partnership with the RYA.

Email: n.a.savill@exeter.ac.uk

Sports Scholarships and Recruitment Officer

Merryn joined the Performance Sport team after graduating from Exeter in 2022 with First-Class Honours in Exercise and Sports Science. During her time at the University, Merryn was a Sports Scholar and represented the Women’s Rugby First Team.

Merryn currently works at the University alongside her professional rugby career with Exeter Chiefs Women in the Premiership. Rugby has been a huge part of her life, and she has reached 100 appearances for the club. She has also represented England 7s, including at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as part of Team England.

As Sports Scholarships and Recruitment Officer, Merryn oversees the recruitment of the University’s performance athletes, Scholars and Bursars. She also provides lifestyle mentoring to Sports Scholars, Bursars and TASS athletes, supporting them to balance the demands of high-performance sport with their academic studies and wider personal development. 

Email: M.Elworthy@exeter.ac.uk

GBP Performance Analyst (Rugby)

Hannah has recently joined the men’s rugby union club as Performance Analyst after graduating in the summer of 2023 with a BSc (Hons) in Exercise and Sports Science. Hannah also played as part in the women’s rugby performance programme throughout her time at university. 

Having been a placement student with the university’s performance analysis programme, and working as an intern at Exeter Chiefs in her final year, Hannah is passionate about the development of interns and athletes and strives to facilitate progression into professional sport after university. 

Her role includes filming training and games, producing performance statistics, and working alongside players and coaches to ensure athletes are performing optimally throughout the season.

Email: H.Burton3@exeter.ac.uk

Assistant Operations Manager - Swim

Years in leisure: Since 2002

Qualifications:

• STA Level 3 Award in Pool Plant Operations
• National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
• First Aid at Work
• NVQ Level 2 in Sport, Recreation and Allied Occupations: Operational services
• Active IQ Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Leisure Management
• Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Leisure Management
• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Personal Training
• Level 2 Gym instructor
• Master Personal Training Diploma Level 3
• Wright foundation GP Referral to exercise Consultant
• Level 1 England Basketball Assistant Coach
• Level 2 Certificate for swimming teaching

Hobbies and interests:

• I have two Alaskan malamutes (not to be confused with huskies) they are my pride and joy. 

Email: c.keirle@exeter.ac.uk

Phone: 01392 723778

Operations Manager - Sports Park

Years in leisure: Since 2001

Qualifications:

• ILM level 3 Leisure Management                              
• NVQ level 2 and 3 Sport and Recreation                                
• IOSH Health and Safety Qualification                            
• NVQ Diploma Level 3 Qualification                            
• Level 6 Chartered Degree Apprenticeship.
• BA (Hons) Management Practice degree.
• First Aid at Work

Hobbies and interests:

• Running                                                                    
• Cricket

Email: david.j.jarvis@exeter.ac.uk

Phone: 01392 724496

Operations Manager - St. Lukes

Years in leisure: Since 2011

Qualifications:

• BA (Hons) Sports Studies with Business
• Level 2 Gym Instructor with Circuits
• Level 2 EBBA Coach

Hobbies and interests:

• Basketball
• Cycling
• Learning new things
• Exploring the great outdoors.

Email: d.norris@exeter.ac.uk

Phone: 01392 727602

Duty Manager

Years in leisure: Since 2005

Sam enjoys playing a range of sports, including rugby and fitness training. This influenced him to pursue a career in the leisure industry. Sam has worked in various positions for 15 years that include lifeguarding, fitness instructing, football coaching, swim teaching, duty managing and being a GoApe instructor.

Qualifications:

• Primary Qualified Teacher Status
• BA (Hons) Adventure Leisure Management and Leisure & Sports Management
• Advanced VCE (Double Award) Leisure and Recreation
• Level 3 Personal Training Qualification
• Group Exercise, Circuits and Bootcamps Qualification
• Group Studio Cycling Qualification
• Level 2 Gym Instructors Qualification
• ASA Level 1 Certificate for Teaching Swimming
• Level 1 FA Certificate in Coaching Football
• Sports Coach UK – Safeguarding & Protecting Children
• Qualified RLSS Pool Lifeguard
• Pool Plant Operators Qualification

Duty Manager

Years in leisure: Since 2018

Tom started working at the University of Exeter as a casual lifeguard at 16 and was promoted to Duty Manager in August 2021. Being one of the young ones of the group, Tom is an individual with lots of energy and eagerness to learn. Tom enjoys bringing his enthusiasm and passion for sport to the job, whilst also learning from more experienced members of the team. Tom has a strong desire for training others in the job role and loves to work in a team to ensure the best service is provided to our customers. Tom thoroughly enjoys working for the University of Exeter Sport, and hopes to continue to improve his managerial skills in the years to come. Tom likes to view himself as a friendly face in the Centre, and you may often see him out and about being a part of operations. Please feel free to come and say hello and have a chat.

Qualifications:

• National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
• BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sport and Performance
• Circuit Activators Certificate Gold
• Fire Marshall certificate
• Gym Instructor Level 2
• Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award
• RLSS Trainer Assessor
• Mental health First Aider 

Hobbies and interests:

• Campervanning around Devon & Cornwall  
• Surfing
• Travelling the world 

Duty Manager

Years in leisure: Since 2018

Qualifications:

• BSc (Hons) Sports Management
• RLSS Trainer/Assessor (NPLQ, PXB, AED Specialism)
• National Pool Plant Operator
• Level 2 Fitness Instructor
• First Aid at Work
• BTEC level 3 Sports and Exercise Science
• NPLQ

Duty Manager

Sport Programmes Officer

Brianna has recently joined the performance team after graduating in the summer of 2023 with a BSc (Hons) in Geography. During her time at university Bri was heavily involved within performance sport programme and played for the Women’s Rugby 1XV, 2XV and Exeter Athletic.

Prior to joining the performance team, Bri has been working alongside her studies as a Coach across Devon specialising in multiple sports. During this time, she has developed her knowledge of sport as well as an understanding of the importance of a holistic approach required when competing within a university environment.

As a performance Sport Coordinator Bri will assist the team in the organisation of support services for the athletes on the University’s Performance Programme. 

Email: b.cummins2@exeter.ac.uk

Sport Psychology Support

After obtaining a Doctorate in Sport & Exercise Psychology, Rebecca joined the University of Exeter as both a Lecturer in Applied Sport Psychology, and as the Lead Psychologist for the Sports Park. She specialises in supporting athletes from a variety of sporting backgrounds and provides applied psychological support to our university and dual-career student-athletes, helping them achieve success in both their sports and academic pursuits.

Rebecca’s holistic approach enables her to support athletes in enhancing their sporting performance, while also prioritising their overall well-being. Rebecca offers our performance programmes both group, and 1:1 support, focusing on topics such as confidence, resilience, maintaining peak performance, and team cohesion, while also addressing the unique challenges faced by student-athletes.

Email: r.legge@exeter.ac.uk

Social Sports Coordinator

Sophie graduated from Durham University in 2024 with an honours degree in Sport, Physical Activity and Exercise. She has since returned to Exeter where she grew up and is excited to contribute to the social sport strategy at University of Exeter. In her spare time Sophie enjoys playing netball, running and travelling.

With a strong passion for sport and physical activity development and promotion Sophie is looking forward to engaging as many students as possible in social sport. By increasing awareness around the opportunities available and working with students to expand what’s on offer, Sophie will encourage students to get the most out of social sport. Whether it’s to have fun with friends, destress from academic pressure or just try something new, Sophie’s role as Social Sports Coordinator is to make sure there is plenty of opportunities available for everyone to get involved.

Email: socialsport@exeter.ac.uk 

Communications & Digital Engagement Support Officer

Stanley graduated from Bath Spa University in 2024 with BA in Film, Television & Digital Production. His final piece at university was a short documentary film called Soccability which follows a football team for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Chelmsford, Essex. The film has since received multiple accolades including two Royal Television Society Craft Awards and the Producer’s Choice Award at Earl’s Court International Film Festival.

Stanley’s experience producing Soccability gave him the inspiration to find a role that marries both his creative passion and his love for making a difference within sport. Here in Exeter, Stanley takes charge of all UoE Sport online communications including social media and content creation.

Stanley enjoys football, golf, snooker, long-distance running and, most recently, padel.

Email: s.hamilton2@exeter.ac.uk 

Student Sport Coordinator

Ella graduated from the University of Exeter in 2025 with a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science. She thoroughly enjoyed her three years at Exeter, representing the university in Touch Rugby and taking part in a variety of other sports, including netball, climbing, and skiing. During her time as a student, Ella was an active member of the Touch Rugby committee for two years, serving as Stash Secretary, which sparked her passion for student sport.

Outside of work, Ella enjoys running, playing touch rugby, and travelling. Having experienced life as a student at Exeter, she is excited to contribute behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of sport clubs and enhance the overall student sport experience.

Alongside fellow Student Sport Coordinator Edward, Ella oversees the day-to-day operations of all Athletic Union sport clubs and supports the continued growth and success of student sport at the university.

Email: auadmin@exeter.ac.uk

Student Sport Coordinator

Ed graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2025 with an honours degree in Geography with Business. During this time Ed was a sports scholar and club captain of fencing, as well as a sports ambassador for men's mental health and wheelchair basketball player. Ed has now moved to Exeter and is excited to support the coordination of student sport activities at Exeter University, and is looking forward to helping all the clubs succeed and provide the best experience possible to Exeter Students. 

Email: auadmin@exeter.ac.uk

Club Development Officer

Blake studied at Cardiff Metropolitan University and graduated with a BSc in Sport Performance Analysis and an MSc in Sport broadcast & Media. Whilst at university, he competed in BUCS and was the Cardiff Met Athletics Club President. He worked at UWE Bristol before making the move to Exeter where he is keen to help sports clubs establish the foundations for participation opportunities, inclusivity and accessibility, performance pathways and to support committees developing their careers further within sport and their areas of study.  

Blake has an immense passion for sport and wellbeing, his ambition is to help clubs at Exeter run sustainably by assisting with club development plans and goal setting, encouraging students to do coaching and officiating courses and supporting club activity. He loves the outdoors and travelling, if you have any recommendations for any good walks, hikes or any nice spots to visit, he would love to hear them. He will always be up for a chat about anything sport.  

Email: B.Brown6@exeter.ac.uk