28th November 2025
Written by Caroline Lievesley
Through a TASS-funded scholarship designed to support individuals from under-represented groups in S&C, Jess Norkett is pursuing an MSc in Strength and Conditioning at Sheffield Hallam University.
Jess also gains hands-on experience working with athletes at the university. We spoke to Jess about her journey as an athlete, her experience on the programme, and how she’s shaping her coaching philosophy.
TASS: What were you doing before you applied for the scholarship?
Jess: I’d just finished my undergraduate degree at Loughborough University in Sport and Exercise Science. I was keen to continue in education but financially I couldn’t make it work. I was applying for jobs in the sport science and performance space when I came across the scholarship and the MSc at Sheffield Hallam. It felt like the right next step.
TASS: How has the experience at Sheffield Hallam been so far?
Jess: It’s been great. Tuesdays are my busiest day—I’m in from 7am to 9am for my internship coaching, followed by lectures—but I really enjoy the routine. Working with athletes and applying what we’re learning in real time has helped everything click. It’s definitely building my confidence.
TASS: What’s it like working with athletes as part of your placement?
Jess: It’s really valuable. Every athlete is different and learning how to adapt to their needs has been huge for my development. Having that practical exposure alongside the academic side makes the master’s feel much more alive.
TASS: This scholarship aims to diversify the S&C industry. What does that mean to you personally?
Jess: As an athlete growing up, most of the S&C coaches I saw were big, built men. No one really looked like me. But I was still strong and powerful in the way I needed to be for my sport.
It’s really important to show athletes—especially young women—that there’s more than one way to be strong. I love being part of changing the stereotype of what an S&C coach looks like. Helping girls feel confident in the gym is something I’m really passionate about.
TASS: You’ve spoken about facing some significant challenges during your final undergraduate year. Would you be willing to share a bit about that?
Jess: It was honestly a really tough year. I was diagnosed with ADHD, started medication and had to learn how to balance all of that with my studies. I felt quite weighed down, like everything was happening at once. That’s why starting this programme has felt like such a breath of fresh air—a bit of a rebirth into new opportunities.
TASS: How does it feel now that you’re settled into the course and the coaching role?
Jess: I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. I’m really enjoying it, and the experience is helping me grow into the kind of coach I want to become.
TASS: Is there anything else you’d want people to know—especially those considering applying for a similar opportunity?
Jess: That it’s absolutely worth taking the leap. The scholarship opens doors, but it also gives you the confidence to step through them. Representation matters, and we need more diversity in S&C. If you don’t see many people who look like you in this field—that doesn’t mean you don’t belong here.
TASS is keen to address the lack of diversity within the S&C network and have created this programme and resulting partnerships to encourage individuals from under-represented groups to consider S&C as a career.
This years’ scholarship provided a fully funded place on the MSc Strength & Conditioning coaching course, a CPD budget of £2000 and voluntary work experience through the Team Hallam S&C internship, working with student athletes and teams.
