Meet our Communications Intern: Alex!

You may have noticed our team being supported over the last few weeks by a new Communications Intern.

Meet Alex, a Masters student at Edinburgh Napier who is with SSS this semester. We sat down with her to learn about her sporting background, career goals, and whether her pizza topping of choice will reflect her Italian ancestry…

Tell us about your student sports background

I was a student at The University of Edinburgh and studied BSc Sport and Recreation Management at Moray House, graduating in the summer of 2024. In my first two years, I was a member of the Netball club and played for their second team. As part of the 2s, we reached the final of the Scottish Cup Quaich, played in Division 1 BUCS and CENA League A. I was also appointed social secretary in my second year and thoroughly enjoyed organising fun socials, setting up our annual ball, and meeting new people. In my last two years, I joined the tennis club as part of their development team and played socially.

In my second year, we were assigned to organise and run a sports event. My team and I created a Five-a-side charity football tournament called FitFives. The tournament was a great success, with over 80 people participating and raising £400 for our chosen charity, Conscious Edinburgh. I thoroughly enjoyed pursuing this project and loved seeing the result.

I am now pursuing a Masters in Sports Journalism at Edinburgh Napier University and am loving it! In addition to my Master’s, I am a writer for ENRG Sport and act as the U20s and Women’s Six Nations Correspondent. I am also a co-host of a tennis podcast with professional British tennis player Emily Appleton, “Courtside with Emily and Alex” (free to listen to on Spotify).

Do you have any sporting highlights?

There are quite a few, so it is challenging to pinpoint only a couple! I played competitive netball for many years, starting at the age of 8. Reaching Scottish Cup finals with my school team was always a highlight and core memory, but being selected for East of Scotland Development was brilliant—going on road trips and being undefeated for two years was amazing! Also, being part of the university’s team was a dream that I wanted to achieve for so long, and I loved being part of the squad!

I did however “retire” from netball in the summer of 2024 and pursued long distance running. As someone who was used to sprint and agility sessions, and would only be able to run a 5km max, this was a big step. I signed up for my first half marathon in Glasgow, October 2024, with low expectations and just wanted to complete it, thinking I wouldn’t do something like this again… I was wrong. I ran the race in 1:45:03 and I haven’t stopped running since. Glasgow 2024 was one of my top highlights!

Any exciting race plans emerging?

I have signed up for a few more Half Marathons; Inverness, Edinburgh and London Royal Parks… I’m sure I will squeeze a couple more in there. I also fancy conquering a few Munros and trying out pickleball.

What about work, outside of SSS?

After getting the chance to sit in the press box for the Scotland U20s rugby matches last month, I am excited to also be reporting on the Women’s Six Nations!

What is your ideal holiday destination?

I would love to explore New Zealand or Fiji.

Pineapple on pizza – yes or no?

Despite my Italian ancestry (sorry ancestors), I can be partial to pineapple on pizza but it wouldn’t be my top choice…

 

 

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