Sophie Kitson

Sophie Kitson is the Tennis Programme Coordinator at British University and Colleges Sport. She credits her time in Kent’s Tennis Society - where she was the first female president - for helping her achieve success in such a competitive industry.

Her work as a tennis umpire has also provided her with exciting opportunities, including working as a line umpire for the Men’s Singles Final at Wimbledon. 

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

Since graduating from Kent in July 2023 I had a summer of umpiring and travel and started at the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) in September 2023.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

There isn’t really a typical work day! I run ten tennis events throughout the academic year including two ‘Super Weekends’, Doubles Championships, Individual Championships, and Wheelchair Championships. Alongside this I help out at numerous other BUCS events in other disciplines.

The summer period is used for planning for the next season. BUCS leagues start at the beginning of October and run until April, so league admin is done throughout this period alongside the events.

I also work closely with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to develop our competition offer and provide workforce opportunities to students.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

In my short time at BUCS, I’ve had a number of highlights, including joining the LTA’s Student Development Group on a trip to France to find out more about international tennis and support the GB Students as they competed in Master’U BNP Paribas World University Tennis Championships.

I’ve also been fortunate to join the LTA’s Inspire Programme for Women Volunteers in Tennis founded by current LTA President, Sandi Procter.

Aside from my day job I’m also a line and chair umpire. In this role I’ve been fortunate to work abroad in Belgium & Bahrain and also to be part of the line umpire team on this year’s Men’s Singles Final at Wimbledon.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

My time at Kent shaped my career path hugely! Although I studied a completely different field to the one I’ve ended up in, the extracurricular opportunities offered at Kent were invaluable.

I was an active member of Kent’s Tennis Society from my first year in 2019, was elected as the women’s captain in 2020, and went on to become Kent’s first ever female tennis president in 2021. During my time in the society we were fortunate to receive a number of awards including Kent LTA’s University of the Year and Club of the Year at the Team Kent Awards. Personally, I also received the Team Kent Spirit of Sport Award in 2020 and was shortlisted for the Rising Star Award in 2023.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

I would advise anyone just starting university to make the most of it!

Focus on your degree but also take advantage of all the societies on offer as you never know where they may lead. I wasn’t expecting to work in tennis having done a Forensic Science degree, but Kent gave me the opportunity to take this path and it is an absolute privilege to work in a sport that means so much to me. 

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

Varsity was always a highlight of my year. I played in both the cricket and tennis teams so it was always a busy week! It was particularly meaningful that our outdoor varsity cricket matches were played at the Spitfire Ground - home to Kent County Cricket Club.

Graduation was also very special. Getting to celebrate all that you’ve achieved at university in a venue like Canterbury Cathedral was pretty amazing.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

The pandemic was never going to be an easy time to be at university but I was still very fortunate to have made lots of friends on the tennis and cricket teams. Overall I don’t think I’d change anything about my experience.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Some of my closest friends are people I met and played sport with at Kent. I’m still also in contact with a couple of my academics and have been back to campus a few times to visit.

What are your future ambitions?

Right now I want to learn as much as I can about the university tennis sector and how it sits within the wider tennis community. From there, I’m excited to see where my path - both in my current job and within the umpiring world – takes me!