Alysaa Marin, Messiah Jones, Samuel Trunley and Sarah Ericson joined the School aiming to follow the success of previous scholarship awardees who have gone on to great careers after graduation.

The sports scholarship is helping position Newcastle as a leading destination for athletes looking to combine elite sport with world‑class academic study in the UK.

Aiming high

The new sports scholarship students are studying on the Digital Marketing and Management postgraduate programmes and blending their business and sports skills to build foundations for their future.

Alyssa, a Management MSc student athlete, said: “I chose to study at Newcastle University because of the opportunity that was presented. Newcastle showed me exactly what I wanted academically and had resources unlike any school I’ve seen.”

Messiah Jones, also a Management MSc student, added: “My main goal is to continue playing professional basketball at a high level while building a strong foundation beyond the sport.

"I want to use my master’s degree to open doors in business, whether that’s in sports management, entrepreneurship, or investing, so I’m set up for long term success during and after my playing career.”

The sports scholarship at Newcastle University Business School provides high-quality teaching and learning with high-quality training facilities. Designed in partnership with the University’s basketball programme, the scholarship offers international student athletes the opportunity to develop professionally while competing at the highest levels of university sport.

Mark Elderkin, Head of Basketball at Newcastle University, said: “The partnership between the basketball programme and the Business School continues to grow and has become one of the most exciting parts of our overall development. Every year seems to expand into something new, the support and vast opportunities for our student athletes keep growing. Both our Men’s and Women’s 1st team will finish second in the league as we look to make a push for a historic double for the national championship playoffs.

“When we first started the partnership, our goal was to make Newcastle a top destination for international postgraduate student athletes, I am extremely proud to say we have certainly achieved that goal. This collaboration has built serious momentum, and we are all excited to see what is next!”

Growing elite sport and business graduates

The impact of the scholarship programme continues to grow, with current students and alumni achieving remarkable success across the world of sport and business.

This year students, Alyssa and Sarah, were named as part of the BUCS Team of the Year, recognising their exceptional performances and contributions throughout the season. Their achievements reflect the dedication and competitive excellence the scholarship programme aims to nurture.

Last year’s graduate Jada Guinn has taken her talents overseas, now playing professional basketball in Iceland. Her journey from student to professional athlete highlights the pathways the programme helps create for elite performers.

Graduates from previous cohorts are also flourishing beyond the court. Danny Delsol Lowry is making an impact in multiple fields: working with a London council, running his own business, trading online, and collaborating with Newcastle University to deliver public speaking sessions. Danny’s entrepreneurial spirit and community engagement showcase the diverse possibilities that follow the scholarship experience.

Furthermore, recent graduate Tom Horvat is building a successful career in property management in the United States, while Austin Sacks has used his skills to stepped into the professional sports environment, working with a professional basketball club.

Together, these achievements showcase the lasting influence of the sports scholarship and the bright futures athletes go into once graduating from Newcastle University Business School.