Performance
Charlotte Hale
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
Nicky Savill
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
Merryn Doidge
Sports Scholarships and Recruitment Officer
Merryn joined the performance team after graduating in the summer of 2022 with a first-class honours degree in Exercise and Sports Science. Merryn was also a sports scholar for the duration of her studying at the University and played in the Women’s Rugby First Team.
Alongside plenty of other sports such as horse riding, netball, gymnastics and the occasional rough shooting, rugby has been a huge part of Merryn's life and is currently Vice Captain for Exeter Chiefs Women in the Premiership. Merryn has also been capped for England 7s after representing Team England at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.
Alongside our other Sports Scholarships and Recruitment Officer Holly, Merryn oversees the recruitment of our performance athletes alongside our Scholars and Bursars. Merryn also offers lifestyle mentoring to Sports Scholars/ Bursars at the University and TASS athletes.
Email: m.doidge@exeter.ac.uk
Hannah Burton
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
Declan Cooke
GBP Performance Analyst (Rugby)
Dec has an Undergraduate degree in Sports Science as well as just completing his Masters in Sport and Health Science (graduate in December 2023). During his time studying, Dec worked with USA Rugby and Exeter Chiefs women’s teams, whilst also interning with the universities women's rugby performance team as an analyst.
Dec is passionate about the growth of women’s rugby, as seen in his ability to inspire players through the work he does in analysis, helping develop their performance and understanding of the game. As the analyst, Dec oversees the recording of matches and training, as well as aiding coaching staff in creating statistical displays.
Email: D.Cooke3@exeter.ac.uk