My name is Kathryn, I’m a scientific researcher for The Well HQ, a female athlete health specialist for rugby and other sports teams, a women’s health coach and a pilates teacher / personal trainer and now I’m undertaking a Professional Doctorate (PhD) in the Dept of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Gloucestershire.

As a female athlete health specialist working within the science team at The Well HQ, researching, writing and delivering for sports organisations, NGBs and corporates. Our work is scientifically robust and data driven to provide up to date and clear information to leaders in sport and leisure to help girls and women thrive through the lifespan.

I am undertaking a Professional Doctorate (PhD) at the University of Gloucestershire alongside my work at The Well which will evaluate and embed a structured biopsychosocial support system in grassroots sport with a strategy that is sustainable.

I have a special interest in rugby and as such I support club, county and premiership women's pathway (U16 and U18) teams by delivering education sessions, supporting coach education and helping to embed structures that support players throughout a season to reduce injury risk, limit time off from menstrual cycle symptom challenges and helping players and coaches to enhance performance through a holistic approach to being a teen athlete.

I was a GB Junior team rower “back in the day” with many years of success at club, national and international level before having to stop the sport because of a back injury - which is what led me to learning and teaching Pilates.

With a very active family I’ve spent many years explored and challenged myself to now being able to run 10k trail races, swim long distance river events, stand-up paddle board, climb, mountain bike and surf with greater resilience than I had before I was pregnant.  What I have learnt has helped me to help others by encouraging them to see how capable their bodies are, to help them move out of pain, to reduce those niggly feelings and to be able to trust their bodies more.

Kathryn

P.S As credentials are pretty important I thought I’d let you know what I’ve been up to in the last 20 years: