At Nike Sports Camps, we are committed to inspiring the next generation of girls in sport to become leaders in whatever direction they choose to go. Here, we’re sharing stories from some of the exceptional ambassadors, coaches and welfare staff at the heart of our camps. Learn more about the impact sport has had on their lives, their role models, how they manage a busy schedule, the friendships they have made through sport, and their advice to young athletes starting out in their careers.

Lily Owsley - Hockey Ambassador

What first inspired you to start playing hockey?

I first picked up a stick at school and quickly fell in love with the game. My teacher lent me my first hockey stick, and I never put it down. Before long, I was totally obsessed!

What’s been the most defining moment of your career so far?

Winning an Olympic medal and reaching 200 caps for Great Britain and England are two milestones I’m incredibly proud of. They’re things I never imagined achieving, and they remind me that all the hard work and sacrifice is worth it.

How do you manage to balance your athletic career with personal life and other commitments?

Time management is key, but more than that, it’s about knowing what to prioritise in the right moments. Whether it’s family, friends, sport, or school, everything matters, and it’s important to give each part of your life attention. When you pour everything into just one area, it can become overwhelming. Balance keeps you grounded.

What’s the best piece of advice a coach or mentor has ever given you?

“Enjoy it… always.” Sport is meant to be fun. I try to hold onto the feeling I had as that young girl picking up a hockey stick for the first time: completely in love with the game. That enjoyment is what keeps you playing.

What advice would you give to young athletes just starting out?

Have fun. Don’t take it too seriously too soon. Give yourself space to develop all areas of life, not just as an athlete. Try different things, have fun, and remember that sport is one part of your life, not your whole life.

LAUREN MCMURCHIE - CAMP MANAGER

What sport did you play and what inspired you to start?

I enjoyed a dual career as an athlete and working professional, playing football for over 20 years. During that time, I played for Glasgow City FC for 10 years, winning the Scottish Women’s Premier League in 10 seasons, winning the Scottish Cup 6 times, participating in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, reaching as far as the Quarter Finals and representing Scotland internationally at under-17 and under-19 level. These achievements were born from my love of the sport at a young age. I enjoyed the process of skill mastery and challenging myself to push beyond my comfort zone.

Who were your sports role models, and how did they influence your career?

Growing up, my dad was my role model. I understood the importance of work ethic, commitment and being accountable in a sports environment through his support in my early career. Without these three qualities, natural talent can only take you so far. This is why my footballing hero growing up was Henrik Larsson (striker for Celtic FC) - alongside his exceptional footballing skills, he made sure he gave everything for the team in every single game, regardless of the opposition or competition.

What advice would you give to young athletes?

I'd encourage young athletes to focus on what brings them joy in the sport they play and enjoy the process of improving, both as an athlete but also as a person outside of sport. I believe sport is an incredible avenue for self development, when motivation and enjoyment come from focusing on the process of becoming better than you were the day before.

BECKY WATERS - CAMP DIRECTOR

What is your sporting background?

I’ve played both hockey and football at the highest level, representing England and Great Britain throughout my career. In hockey, I had the privilege of playing for several premier league clubs, including East Grinstead, Slough, and Canterbury. I competed in both indoor and outdoor European finals, excelling as a goalkeeper. I had the incredible experience of captaining the England indoor team, and was awarded Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the European Championships. I received the same recognition at the European Club Championships, which was a true honour.

On the football field, my journey began at a young age, initially playing with my boys’ school team and progressing to the boys' district team, then Millwall. From there, I played for Surrey, then was selected for Chelsea WFC. I went on to play for Chelsea’s first team for several years, and I’m proud to still hold the position of #58 in total appearances for Chelsea. I rounded out my playing career at Charlton, where I continued to give my all on the pitch.

How did you manage to balance playing two sports at the top level alongside your other commitments?

During my playing years, I maintained a rigorous training schedule. Planning and discipline were so important: Mondays and Wednesdays were for the centralised GB hockey programme, Tuesdays and Thursdays were for football, with hockey games on Saturdays and football on Sundays. Fridays were dedicated to recovery and preparation, often in the pool. All of this took place while balancing a full-time job - my drive to own a house while playing at such a high level was my motivation.

What are the most valuable lessons sport has taught you?

Through sport, I’ve developed invaluable life skills like resilience, confidence, and the ability to maintain meaningful social connections. I’ve cultivated a growth mindset, learning how to manage emotions in both competitive and collaborative environments. Most importantly, sport has taught me the vital role physical activity plays in emotional wellbeing - reducing stress, boosting mood, and enhancing self-esteem.

TIA GARDINER - CAMP LEADER

What sport do you play and what inspired you to start?

I was a competitive swimmer for many years, representing Loughborough University in the performance swimming programme. Swimming has always been a huge part of my life, and I was drawn to it because of the discipline, resilience, and sense of achievement it brings. I come from a sporty family - my mum's swimming background and my sister’s success in competition inspired me to follow in their footsteps.

Moving away from swimming left me seeking a new challenge, and that’s when I discovered running. It quickly became more than just a way to stay active: it filled the competitive void that swimming left behind. Now, I’m training for my second marathon, embracing the mental and physical demands of endurance sports. Running has given me a renewed sense of purpose, pushing me to test my limits in a completely new way.

Can you share a story about a friendship you’ve developed through sport that you really value?

One friendship I truly value is with my best friend Efa. Efa and I ran out first marathon together. From start to finish, we stuck by each other’s side, supporting and encouraging one another through every mile. The 6 months of training we did together in the lead up to the Lisbon Marathon was unforgettable – from celebrating after tough sessions with Lidl sweet treats to recovering with ice baths, every moment brought us closer. Finishing a 42.2km marathon side by side was a defining moment in our friendship, and it’s no surprise that we’re both gearing up for our next marathon together. What makes our friendship so special is how we hold each other accountable, always motivating each other to get up and run - even on those days when it feels tough. The support we have for each other is unwavering and I am proud of everything we have achieved together. Without Efa, I wouldn’t enjoy running as much as I have done. She’s kept me smiling throughout the journey and inspired me to achieve my goals.

What’s one thing about your sport that always makes you smile, no matter how tough things get?

From my swimming days, one thing that always made me smile was seeing my mum in the stands at every competition. She never missed a single race and was always there cheering me on. Seeing her proud of me, whether I swam a personal best or not, gave me a sense of comfort and motivation that meant the world to me.

With running, it’s the sense of freedom and the rush of a runner’s high after a tough session. Training for a marathon can be long and sometimes quite repetitive, but the Sunday long runs with my friends are something I genuinely look forward to. We can chat the whole way and the miles just fly past – sometimes even 30km feels effortless. Running has not only brought about so many friendships but has also given me the opportunity to explore new places along the way. Whether it’s discovering new cities in the UK or running through completely new countries, I’m creating lots of new memories and that will always put a smile on my face, even on the hardest days.

How do you manage to balance your athletic career with your personal life and other commitments?

Balancing training, academics, work, and a social life is definitely a challenge, but organisation is key. I rely on my trusty notepad to map out my week, helping me stay on top of my commitments without feeling overwhelmed. Time management is essential. I’ve learned to prioritise, plan ahead, and make the most of every moment. It’s not always easy, but finding that balance allows me to stay dedicated to my goals while still enjoying the journey.

Communication is just as important. If I’m struggling with deadlines or fitting in training, I reach out to my coach and friends for advice. No one should navigate challenges alone, and by talking things through, we can always find a solution that works.

Tasha Dewhurst - Camp Leader

What is your sporting background?

I’m fortunate to be involved in a variety of sports, but my main ones are dance and running. My biggest inspiration for both has been my family. I spent much of my childhood competing in gymnastics, but my sister was part of a local dance studio and always spoke about how welcoming and enjoyable it was. Eventually, I decided to give it a try and I ended up loving it, probably even more than she did!

Similarly, my mum has always been a runner, and I used to be baffled by how she could possibly enjoy running long distances. After repeated asking I finally joined her on a run… and from that moment, I was hooked! Now, I’m training for the London Marathon, and my mum would probably say I’m the crazy one. Both experiences remind me how powerful it is to have inspiring women in sport around you.

What has been the most defining moment of your career so far?

One of the most defining moments of my career so far has been assisting with the coaching of the dance programme on camp. I have loved working with kids from so many different countries and encouraging them to connect and build confidence through dance. In all sports, self-expression is key, but in dance, it’s especially important when performers step on stage. Watching people grow into their movements and embrace performance was incredibly rewarding.

Camp is an environment where we are able to experiment with choreography without pressure. This flexibility made the session very enjoyable, reinforcing how important it is to balance competition with the simple joys of participating in sport. As an aspiring sport psychologist, it also showed me how a supportive, low-pressure environment helps athletes thrive!

What advice would you give to young athletes who are just starting out?

Believe in yourself. You might not be the fastest, strongest, or most skilled at first, but you never know your full potential until you try. Look at my running journey, I never imagined I’d be training for a marathon!
Say yes to new opportunities. Whether it’s trying a new sport, joining camp, or stepping out of your comfort zone, you don’t know what experiences you might gain or who you might meet.
Follow your own path. Don’t let others’ opinions hold you back. If your school friends aren’t into sport, that’s okay - some of the most important people in my life are those I’ve met through sport.

Erica Sanders - Camp Manager

What sport do you play and what inspired you to start?

Hockey is my main sport: I started playing at school at 7 years old, first played for a club at 11, and I still compete in the English Premier League. My family are all really sporty, so I was always playing games with my siblings or parents and grandparents growing up - we are all very competitive!

What’s the best piece of advice a coach or mentor has ever given you?

Enjoy the process. As a competitive person, I always care about the outcome. However, enjoying what you do every day is just as important, if not more, than putting everything down to the outcome of one match or season.

How do you deal with failure, and what lessons have you learned from setbacks?

I have found failure, especially from non-selections, to be a time for reflection. The initial disappointment can make you sad and angry and I think it's ok to feel like that - I’ll acknowledge those feelings and write them down. Once I've done that, I do an exercise I call 'the controllables'. I’ll sit down and write out the things I 'can control' and all the things I 'can't control' - this helps me to stop dwelling on the things I can’t do anything about and set out a plan of action for the things within my control. I’ll then share it with the people close to me to help move forward.

Can you share a story about a friendship you’ve made through sport?

Friendships are one of the best things about playing sport, especially in a team. Having a common understanding of what it takes: the time commitment, the successes of achieving your goals, and disappointments like non-selection and injuries makes those friendships so meaningful. I moved to the Netherlands to play for a club team there, and apart from the one school friend who was already at the club, I didn't know anyone else in the country! Within weeks I had already made friends and a support network through the team, coaches and club and felt welcome in a new country. I think the opportunities sport can give you to travel around the world, meet new people and make lifelong friendships is so special.

Key Takeaways

Success in sport isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about discovering what drives you, enjoying the journey, and valuing progress as much as the outcome. A structured routine can help you balance training with everything else life throws your way — from studies to social life. And perhaps most importantly, the friendships you make through sport often become your biggest source of strength, encouragement and joy. They’re the teammates who’ll lift you up through every triumph and every challenge, on and off the field.