From TASS Athlete to TASS Rep to TASS Practitioner: Jenny Bates on her full TASS circle

Jenny Bates’ TASS journey began in 2022 when she was selected for support while studying at Oxford Brookes University. She became an Athlete Rep in 2024, completed two TASS learning courses (UAL and APDL), and has recently secured a role delivering personal development support to TASS athletes at University of Essex.

Here, Jenny reflects on her TASS journey and explains how the personal development support she received as an athlete inspired her to give back – progressing from Athlete Rep to practitioner supporting the next generation.

Photo Credit: Benedict Tuffnel

Q: You were a TASS athlete in 2022–23. What do you remember about that time?

Jenny: I was at Oxford Brookes when I was nominated after a successful GB rowing trial. I didn’t know loads about TASS beforehand – I’d just seen strong rowers who I really looked up to at my club wearing the TASS kit and knew they had access to extra support like physio and S&C. When I was invited onto the programme, it felt like a real honour – almost like stepping into a semi-professional environment because suddenly I had access to specialist support I hadn’t had before. It also felt good to be recognised by my national governing body British Rowing as someone who had potential, it gave me a confidence boost as when people believe in you, it’s a bit easier to believe in yourself.

Q: What difference did TASS make to you?

Jenny: It had a big individual impact. I used the physio a lot for screening and prevention, which helped me stay injury-free at the time. I also leaned on the personal development practitioner. I was juggling university, a  job and rowing, and she helped me manage that – even down to drafting difficult emails and setting clear goals. I remember her asking me if I wanted to go to the Olympics. Saying it out loud made it feel less like a dream and more like a goal.

Photo Credit: AllMarkOne

Q: You later joined the TASS Athlete Rep group. What attracted you to that role?

Jenny: I was already on the World Class Programme and looking for flexible work around training. The rep role felt like a great way to give back to an organisation that had helped me. I enjoyed the application process and connected quickly with the other reps – we’re from different sports but share the same passion and mindset.

Q: What does the Athlete Rep role involve?

Jenny: We act as the athlete voice within TASS – feeding back what athletes need and sharing information with them. We manage social media, attend face-to-face meetings, contribute to newsletters and sit on focus groups. We’ve also had training in areas like media skills, safeguarding and mental health. I’ve represented TASS at events and helped shape projects. It’s been a brilliant development and networking opportunity. One highlight was attending a GB basketball game and hosting a TASS reception beforehand.

Q: How has being a rep helped you develop?

Jenny: It’s strengthened my leadership, organisation and delegation skills. Coordinating a busy group of athletes takes communication and flexibility. I’ve also developed professionally through qualifications and practical experience – all of which has added to my CV. It has also increased my network and introduced me to so many professionals in sport, from athletes to leaders of national governing bodies.

Q: You’ve completed two formal TASS learning courses (UAL and APDL). Why did you choose to do them?

Jenny: I’d always been interested in personal development and lifestyle coaching – my first exposure to it was through TASS. The courses felt like a natural extension of my rep role and my own experiences as an athlete. I found the content very relatable, especially around transitions, injury, time management and goal setting.

Photo Credit: Benedict Tuffnel

Q: What stood out most from those courses?

Jenny: Delivering real coaching sessions had the biggest impact. Supporting someone through a transition and seeing the difference it made was really powerful. I also valued learning the coaching theories and reflecting on my practice – something I’m used to as an athlete.

Q: You’ve now secured a role as a TASS Practitioner at the University of Essex. How did that happen?

Jenny: It came sooner than I expected! After completing my Level 3, I was encouraged to apply for the role. It’s a flexible, part-time position delivering personal development support to TASS athletes – mainly online – which works perfectly around rowing. I’ll be supporting athletes from sports like volleyball, football, golf and basketball, and possibly working with non-TASS athletes too. I’ve also just started working as a Personal Development Practitioner at the University of Kent and Kent County Cricket Club.

Q: How important is personal development support for athletes?

Jenny: It’s very important and I think it is often underrated and underutilised.  Having someone neutral to talk to – separate from selection and performance – makes a huge difference. A personal development practitioner can help with transitions, signpost to other support, or simply provide a safe space to think things through.

Photo Credit: AllMarkOne