Meet the 2023/24 UEL High Performance Scholars
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Published
19 October 2023
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The University of East London has grown to become one of the most ambitious universities in the UK for sport.
With alumni including Adam Gemili, Lawrence Okolie, and recent Olympian Jona Efoloko, the UEL High Performance Programme aims to pave the way for creating our world-class athletic stars.
This year 120 scholars were welcomed to SportsDock at the University’s Docklands campus for a media and induction day hoping to follow the path to success that many before them have achieved.
Will Ashby, High Performance Manager, summarised,
“The High Performance Programme supports athletes to succeed at national and international level while they complete their degrees at UEL”. “We have a number of high-quality practicians across our service and this can be highlighted by the TASS Dual Career accreditation that we have. We have all sorts of staff that work with national and international players and professional teams with years of experience in a variety of sports.”
The class of 2023-24 includes semi-professional footballers, college-level basketball players, an England netball athlete, and a karate world champion.
Ones To Watch
Misha Djemaili
A two-time national champion at county level with Essex, Misha joins the High Performance Programme with a relative wealth of experience already under his belt. Having started off at the Crystal Palace youth academy, the versatile defender has made over 50 appearances in the Isthmian League Premier Division and will balance his studies alongside playing for Hashtag United.
Aims for this year?
“For UEL I’m aiming to help us get promoted back to the Premier South division and maximise the support services on the High Performance Programme to become a better athlete. Outside of that I want to establish myself as one of the best players not only at Hashtag United but the league itself and push myself into the National League.”
Georgia Griffin
A striker who scored 79 goals in two seasons in Southend United’s youth system, Georgia joins the High Performance Programme with aims of becoming a Physician Associate alongside playing football. Georgia currently plays for Hashtag United and is working part-time as a health advisor for BUPA.
Aims for this year?
“I’m currently rehabbing an ankle injury so getting back to full fitness before aiming to debut in the England University team is my main goal. The medical team here at UEL will help with recovery, as well the S&C to help improve the fine lines that I won't get from training. I'm looking to also become a role model for the next set of students by training and performing at my highest ability to help with the team's goal of promotion in BUCS.”
Bradley Kaboza
A basketball scholar who has progressed through the London Lions National Basketball League pathway to the senior BBL team, Bradley will be in his third year on the programme. Having previously played semi-professionally in Iceland, Bradley earned his place in the London Lions squad after leading the D1 side with 17.1 PPG. Having already featured in the EuroCup this year, the Point Guard will balance his time between London Lions and the UEL BUCS team.
Aims for this year?
“This year I want to take what I’m learning with the Lions and playing with some of the senior players to help improve my game. From the High Performance Programme I want to boost my recovery after games and training to make sure I can play as many games as possible this season.”
Olivia Tchine
Highlighted as a player to watch by an England Head Coach ahead of the 2023 Netball World Cup, Olivia is one of the most exciting scholars to have joined the programme. A Goal Shooter who joined London Pulse in 2016, Olivia has played in the national pathway since age 15 and now in her second season as full time athlete for England. She already has a medal to show for her name after winning at the 2017 Europe Netball Championships.
Aims for this year?
“My sporting aspirations for this season are to have a great season both at England and Pulse. I really want to continue to build my craft and my style of play. I hope to be able to continue to build my strength with the High Performance Programme and also be able to hit and create new targets.”
Logan Clark
Logan has spent four years playing Division I Volleyball in the US for UC San Diego, being named in the Big West Conference All-Freshmen Team in 2019 and named an All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2022. The masters student will balance his BUCS commitments in the Premier South Division alongside playing for Malory Eagles in the Super League.
Aims for this year?
“Make the most of playing and studying abroad with the opportunity of playing Super League volleyball alongside my education. Personally I’m transitioning from a Middle Blocker to Opposite and so I’m looking to make the most of the support services as a UEL Scholar to grow as a player and excel in multiple rotations on court.”
Nicholas Nelson
Nick joins us on a Karate scholarship after a glittering start to his sporting career. Boasting medals at World and European Championships, Nick’s versatility can also be highlighted by his interest in Ju-Jitzu and Brazilian Kickboxing in his spare time. A scholar with international recognition already, we’re looking forward to seeing Nick perform consistently on the world stage.
Aims for this year?
“I am aiming to use the facilities to better aid my recovery, to facilitate my training (physiological) needs, but also, to fine tune little details which could enhance my performance long term. I hope this will enable me to compete in more k-1 Kickboxing bouts, medal in the IBJJF (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) Europeans and to medal in either the ESKA (European Shotokan Karate Association) or the WSKA (World Shotokan Karate Association).”
Find out more
Interested in learning more about the High Performance Programme at UEL and our sport scholarship opportunities? High Performance Programme.
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