Each year, during the Scholarship celebration evening, we award one of our incredible Scholars the title of ‘Scholar of the Year’. This award is in recognition of their commitment to the scheme, their sport, and the University on the whole. For the 2024/25 academic year Kent Sport chose Hockey Scholar Jorja Jones, for her commitment to the scheme and dedication to her sport. Here we dive deeper into her experience of the scheme and of the University of Kent.
Scholar of the Year Interview 2025 – Jorja Jones
What did you study at Kent and what are your plans now you have completed your studies and graduated?
Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation. Now that I’ve graduated, my aim is to pursue a career working within elite sporting clubs. Longer term, I’m hoping to continue developing professionally by gaining further qualifications and working across a variety of sporting environments to broaden my expertise.
Was your academic school aware of your sporting achievements at Kent and have they been supportive of your training and participation in Hockey?
Yes, my academic school was very aware of my sporting achievements, and I felt incredibly supported throughout my time at Kent. Because I was studying a sports-based degree, my lecturers really understood the demands of combining high-level sport with full-time study. They were always accommodating when I had to travel for tours, matches, and competitions, and they encouraged me to continue pursuing my hockey alongside my academic commitments. I’m grateful for that level of flexibility and encouragement, as it allowed me to thrive both as a student and as an athlete.
What are your favourite places on campus, and could you describe the University of Kent in three words please?
My favourite places are the gym, the astro turf, and the library (café), as I spent most of my time. Three words I’d use to describe Kent: Supportive, sociable, welcoming
What do you think is the best thing about the community and student life at Kent?
I’ve really enjoyed the societies at Kent, especially how they bring people together. They create such a friendly and welcoming environment, especially for first years, and give students a place to make friends and feel part of a community.
You have been an integral part of Women’s Hockey on Campus and been Captain of the first Team for the past 2 – how did you balance this responsibility alongside your studies and how have other Hockey Committee members supported you?
Captaining for the last 2 years was an incredible experience for me. I was lucky enough to have two amazing vice-captains who were able to step into my position when I couldn’t be there. They supported me not just on the pitch but also with the off-field side of things – organising socials, team bonding activities, and making sure everyone felt included. That made such a difference, because when we stepped out onto the field, we were already close-knit and worked well as a team. The hockey committee were also supportive and always willing to lend a helping hand with organising fixtures and keeping everything running smoothly. Balancing captaincy with my degree taught me time management and leadership skills, but it was all worth it because of the people I had around me.
Were you a member of any other clubs or societies on campus whilst at University and what advice would you give new students arriving at Kent to get involved in Sports Clubs and Societies?
I joined in with the Golf Society every now and again when training would allow it, and they were really welcoming. The hockey team went along to a This Kent Girl Can event they hosted, which gave us the chance to try it out together and bond outside of hockey, it was such a fun experience. My advice for new students would be to put themselves out there and try as many societies or sports clubs as possible to find what best suits them. It’s the easiest way to make friends, settle in quickly, and feel part of the community at Kent. Even if you don’t stick with everything you try, you’ll always meet new people and find something that feels right for you.
Can you comment on growing up in Zimbabwe in Africa and your first experiences with sport, physical activity and ultimately Hockey?
Growing up in Zimbabwe, I was lucky to have a lot of support from my parents, my schools, and the local sporting community. They encouraged me to be active from a young age, and I tried lots of different sports. Being part of school and community teams taught me teamwork, discipline, and how much fun sport can be, which set me on the path to playing seriously.
Can you summarise your progress in Hockey from the first time you picked up a stick to representing your country at U21 level?
From the very beginning I fell in love with hockey and knew it was something I wanted to pursue seriously, so I put in a lot of extra time and effort into practicing and improving. Over the years there were some disappointing results and times when I didn’t make certain teams, but instead of letting that hold me back, I used it as motivation to stay resilient and keep working harder. Looking back, I’m proud of the persistence and determination I built along the way because it shaped the player and person I am today.
In your second year at University, you captained Zimbabwe U21 at the Junior World Cup in South America, can you summarise this experience and the culture you experienced during the Tournament?
That experience was truly once in a lifetime, and I’ll always be grateful to have had the honour not only to tour but also to captain the team. Taking on the leadership role came with challenges, it’s not always easy to balance your own game while also making sure the team is in good stead, but it taught me a lot about responsibility and how to lead under pressure. Beyond the hockey, the tour was incredible. We had the chance to travel around the countryside, try new foods, and experience a completely different culture. Meeting and interacting with teams from all over the world were just as memorable as playing, and it gave me a real sense of how global and unifying sport can be.
As a Captain in a Team Sport, what qualities are required to lead a Sports Team and who has inspired you to be a better Leader/Captain on the field?
Self-awareness is such an important quality for a leader, because you need to recognise your own mistakes and understand how they can affect the team. Communication and organisation are also key making sure everyone feels included and knows what’s expected of them. For me, leading was about setting a standard but also creating a positive environment where players felt supported and motivated. My experience captaining Zimbabwe U21 at the Junior World Cup pushed me to grow as a leader, and I brought those lessons into my role at Kent. I’ve been inspired by former captains, coaches, and teammates who showed me the value of leading by example, and their influence helped shape the kind of captain I wanted to be.
How did you first hear about Kent University and the Sports Scholarship Scheme and what attracted you to come to study here/join the Programme?
I first heard about Kent University through my school counsellor, and I’d always planned to investigate scholarship programmes as I knew they could really benefit me throughout my studies. What attracted me to Kent was the level of support offered through the scholarship, the high-quality equipment, and the fantastic sports facilities especially the upgraded astro turf. It felt like a place where I could push myself academically and athletically at the same time.
We get a lot of Sports Scholarship enquiries from prospective students in Africa. Can you comment on the appeal of English Universities and Kent as a place to study for African nationals?
Kent has been an amazing place to study it has a great community and is very diverse, which makes it feel welcoming for international students. For African students, the chance to study in England also offers the opportunity to experience a different sporting culture and to access world-class facilities and coaching. At Kent in particular, the support network for athletes and the mix of nationalities on campus really help you settle in quickly.
Women’s Hockey in Great Britain received a fantastic boost following the Gold Medal Success of Team GB at the Rio Olympics in 2016, do you think the impact of this victory has had a long-term effect on participation and performance as we approach the 10-year anniversary of this success?
Yes, absolutely. Sometimes sports are only really recognised on a wider scale when they perform at the highest level and achieve medals, and the Rio 2016 win definitely inspired a new generation of players. You can still see the impact of that success today in the numbers of young girls picking up a stick, the growth of grassroots programmes, and the visibility of hockey across the country. This year GB has also done incredibly well, which continues to keep hockey in the spotlight and shows the lasting legacy of that gold medal.
Can you comment on the benefits of the Sports Scholarship Scheme at Kent and how it has supported you as a student athlete whilst at University as well as prepare for life after Kent?
One of the biggest benefits was having coaches who genuinely cared about you and were always willing to go the extra mile with their support. They understood the challenges of balancing training, matches, and studying, and were always there to guide me through it. The programme also gave me access to great facilities, strength and conditioning support, and opportunities to develop as both an athlete and a person. It’s prepared me for life after Kent by teaching me discipline, time management, and how to handle pressure all skills I’ll take with me into sport and beyond.
Can you remember your very first week on Campus and your experience arriving at University, especially as an international student?
It was such an exciting time! I like to think of myself as quite an outgoing person, and I quickly realised that everyone was in the same boat and just as nervous as me. I was lucky to have the most incredible housemates, we lived together throughout our studies and are still great friends now. If it wasn’t for them and the Women’s Hockey Club, I think it would have been much harder to adjust. Being part of a team and having that immediate sense of community made me feel at home quickly, even being so far away from Zimbabwe.
One of your best friends and fellow Hockey Player Tilly Tillings has shared your experience on the Scholarship Scheme for the past three years, can you comment on how sport and the Scheme can foster long lasting friendships and relationships that often continue beyond graduation?
Having Tilly Tillings at my first ever hockey practice was honestly one of the biggest blessings of my life. Being a local, she helped show me around Canterbury and introduced me to the Canterbury Hockey Club. Since we started playing hockey together, we decided to do our S&C lessons together too, and that really pushed us both to be stronger, faster, and better. We balanced each other out and always supported one another, even now we’re still close friends. It’s a friendship that will continue to grow beyond university. Over the last three years, I’ve loved watching Tilly find a new love for hockey and continuously improve, and I’m so proud to have grown and developed together with her both on and off the pitch.
You have received recognition from the Scheme and Kent Students’ Union for your achievements in Sport, how proud are you of the awards you have received and your legacy at the University of Kent?
I am incredibly proud. It was very unexpected for me, especially in my final year, but it really made me reflect on all the hard work, dedication, and time I’ve put into hockey and my studies. Knowing that I’ve been recognised by both the Sports Scholarship Scheme and the Students’ Union for my achievements is such an honour, and I hope my journey and attitude on and off the pitch can leave a positive legacy for future athletes at Kent. I want to be remembered as someone who worked hard, supported her teammates, and made the most of every opportunity.
You have been an integral member of your Club whilst at University, alongside completing your Sports Scholarship, you also found time to work at Kent as part of the Fitness Team, what is the key to balancing so many responsibilities whilst at University and not over-committing?
It’s always good to put yourself out there, but it’s also important to recognise when you might be burning out. Staying on top of your University work is the biggest thing if that starts to slip, everything else can quickly become overwhelming. The key is knowing your limits, prioritising your commitments, and sometimes stepping back from a few things to make sure you can give your best to the rest. Time management, organisation, and being honest with yourself about what you can handle are essential.
Finally, now that you have graduated from the University, could you summarise your time on Campus and share your fondest memories of your time at the University of Kent?
So many fond memories have happened on this campus, and I often find myself reminiscing about them. From the first week when I met my amazing housemates, to bonding with my hockey team on and off the pitch, to the fun and support I found through societies and the Sports Scholarship Scheme, every experience has shaped my time at Kent. Some matches, and socials that brought the whole university community together. Kent has been such a special place to grow, learn, and make lifelong friendships.