Teams at the University of Worcester are preparing for one of the biggest days in the university and college sporting calendar, as BUCS Big Wednesday approaches.
BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) Big Wednesday (25 March) is the culmination of 16 different sports tournaments, with 60 teams from universities and colleges across the country competing for gold medals.
The University of Worcester’s Netball and Women’s Basketball teams are both set to appear in finals for their respective trophies; an incredible achievement for both squads, with Women’s Basketball reaching back-to-back finals and contending for double promotion.
The Netball team will take on Bath 2s having secured their first place in the National Trophy Final for the first time in a decade.
Holly French, Netball Development Coach at the University of Worcester, said: “We’ve improved our standard as a squad, and we’ve had some really strong performances this season; we always manage to pull it out of the bag on the really big games when it matters.”
“I’m feeling really positive going into this final, even as the underdogs,” said Holly. “Bath 2s will arrive extremely confident, but there’s real strength in being underestimated. Our players are incredibly proud to be here; it’s been a decade since the side reached the final, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
The University’s Women’s Basketball side will take on the University of St Andrews in the National Trophy final.
Alexis Lewis, Women’s Basketball Head Coach, said: “This is the big one. We won the Conference Cup last season, and so we want to do the double, and go back-to-back with trophies.”
“We’re optimistic,” he said. “Similar to Worcester, St Andrew’s have a really good basketball programme. They’ve got a lot of overseas players and a star player from Australia who is very good. We know this will be a tight game but if we play how we know we can we are more than capable, even against an outstanding opponent like St Andrew’s.”
Away from BUCS Big Wednesday, the Women’s Basketball squad are fighting for a place in the playoffs which could take them to the Premier Division.
“To gain promotion would be incredible,” said Alexis. “The standard is sky high, and it would be great for the students to be able to play and compete at that level and for the University basketball programme to be able to showcase all of the work we’ve been doing on the national stage.”
Charlotte Beaman Evans, the University’s Sport Performance and Scholarship Lead, said: “It is fantastic to have two teams competing at BUCS Big Wednesday for their respective trophies.”
“UW Sport continues to make significant strides in on-field success within the BUCS programme. The work carried out behind the scenes by our expert coaches, sports therapists, strength and conditioning staff, nutritionists, psychologists, and performance lifestyle practitioners must also be acknowledged; they’re fundamental to enabling our athletes to compete at the highest standards.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]