Claire Brownie

Netball international Claire Brownie has represented Scotland at the Commonwealth Games and World Championships; success that she attributes to the support provided by the University.

Name

Claire Brownie

Degree Course

BEd Physical Education

Year of Graduation

2009

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Claire Brownie

Your time at the University

I absolutely loved my time at Edinburgh University.  I met some of my best friends there and 10 years later they are still my best friends. I had my heart set on going to Edinburgh University to be a PE teacher since my second year at secondary school. I was so determined that's what I wanted to do that I got my grades after 5th year and went straight to university.

My course was very sociable and I got to know all 100 people in my year. This made it very easy for me to settle in quickly and to meet new friends. I felt like it was an extension of school. I was also part of the Edinburgh University Netball Team which was a great experience that allowed me to meet people who weren't on my course whilst developing my skills in a fun but challenging environment.

During my summers I had some great experiences including the World Youth Championships in the Cook Islands, a tour to Barbados, Camp America and of course my first holiday with university friends. Without the support of the University I would never have managed to get to the World Youth Championships as they supported me as a bursary athlete and I will always be thankful for that support.

Without the support of the University I would never have managed to get to the World Youth Championships as they supported me as a bursary athlete and I will always be thankful for that support.

Claire Brownie

Tell us about your Experiences since leaving the University

Since leaving university I moved across to Glasgow to continue to play netball for Scotland and to start my probation year as a teacher. For the past 5 years I have been teaching in secondary schools and have recently moved to Bath to further pursue my netball playing career.

Edinburgh’s Individual Performance Programme enabled me to manage my academic and sporting commitments and helped me get to where I am now. While at Edinburgh I played for Scottish Universities, British Universities and Scotland U19s, U21s and the senior national squad. These experiences have led to me competing in the Commonwealth Games and World Championships, two highlights of my life. 

Alumni wisdom

Make the most of it. Try new things, make new friends and have fun. I managed to enjoy university life, play for Scotland and get a first class degree; so as long as you’re organised then university is a perfect time to live the life you want. Unless you want to live the life of a millionaire that is - that might need to wait until after university. If you manage it, please let me know how you did it.

Related links

Edinburgh University Netball Club

Individual Performance Programme