In 2021, Women’s Super League defender Sam Tierney graduated with distinction from our MSc Sport Business Management programme. Prior to graduation, the England Youth International and Sheffield native completed her three-year undergraduate degree in Sports Development with Coaching whilst excelling on the pitch nationally and internationally with England Women’s national football team.

Sam moved to Leicester City Football Club Women (LCFCW) in the Summer of 2020 following spells at Doncaster Belles and Sheffield United. In April 2021, Sam’s goal against London City Lionesses helped confirm LCFCW’s promotion to the Women’s Super League ahead of the 2021-22 season.

‘I initially chose to study at Sheffield Hallam due to being from Sheffield myself, and the fact I was balancing football commitments which would allow me to reduce travel but also give my full attention to both. Once I spoke to the University, especially the course team, I was impressed by their eagerness to help me achieve my goals, by supporting me, helping me find logistical solutions, and being readily available to help me around my busy schedule.
 
‘As an England Youth International football player who’s played from under-15s to under-21s level, I have been fortunate enough to experience playing with the best players in the country — along with learning from elite coaches and playing in various fixtures from competitive games to tournaments and friendlies in many countries.
 
‘Being a professional footballer has always been a dream of mine, but my journey has maybe been slightly different to other players in my age group. I have always been keen on getting my education completed and then fully focusing on full-time professional football after this, meaning I delayed joining full-time clubs for a number of years so I could do this.
 
‘My masters has helped me gain clarity on my career interests and prepared me for the demands of the industry I want to enter in the future. It has also posed me different challenges to my undergraduate degree and has shown me that I am capable of pushing boundaries I didn't know I could. In particular, having to balance a full-time masters with full-time football has been extremely challenging but rewarding at the same time.
 
‘The broad range of subject knowledge I have obtained has given me a greater perspective on the different disciplines involved in organisations — especially within sports teams, understanding the roles of various multidisciplinary teams. Having this understanding has allowed me to apply my knowledge more practically but also become a better team member and get the best from others. It has also provided me with many professional development industry experiences through the football club itself.
 
‘The sports development coaching lecturers were fantastic and made the course a thoroughly enjoyable and challenging experience for me which ultimately inspired me to progress to further study. I have always been driven to enhance my knowledge wherever possible as I am aware of the importance of education for post-sporting careers. During my time at university, I developed a passion for supporting elite athletes balancing dual careers like my own, and this is something I see being a big part of my life after football.
 
‘My lecturers, especially my academic advisor, were integral to supporting my studies. They made time for me around my busy schedule, understood any absences due to club activities, matches or training and helped me catch up and study accordingly. Most importantly they showed interest in my progress both academic and sporting. My academic advisor was a key mentor for me, being the open ear I needed in times of stress and pushing me to achieve the high standards I set for myself.
 
‘My ambition is to focus on my full-time football career, hopefully developing as a player on the biggest stage of women's football in the country and one day playing for the England Women’s Senior Team, which is something I will work hard to achieve in the future. I then have ambitions to complete my UEFA coaching badges in football, as well as continuing to mentor elite athletes balancing dual careers by sharing my knowledge and experience.
 
‘If you’re interested in studying a masters in Sport Business Management at Sheffield Hallam, then do it — it is a fantastic course with some great lecturers.’