Mel Clewlow, who has represented both England and Great Britain in field hockey, has been appointed Director of Sport at the University.
Her responsibilities will include overseeing the continuing development of the University’s sport facilities, which are open to the public.
She has been Interim Director since August 2017.
Mel made her international debut in 1996 as a key member of the England team that went on to win silver at the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games. She achieved double Olympian status for attendance at the 2000 and 2008 Olympic Games. Although retired from international competition she continues to play as a spirited defender and is Chair for Canterbury Ladies Hockey Club.
She continues to work for BBC Sport and BT Sport as a commentator for international hockey events.
In the past two years, Kent Sport’s facilities have expanded to include a new state of the art 3G artificial pitch and indoor tennis centre, for the use of both students and members of the public. A new cycle hub that opened last summer has proved popular and is expanding the offer to include bicycle repairs, maintenance courses and accompanied rides.
Future developments planned for Kent Sport include the expansion of programmes designed to ensure inclusion and opportunities to become active for all students, staff and members of the Kent community.
Commenting on her appointment, Mel Clewlow said she was really excited to be offered the opportunity to truly make a difference to the student and staff experience at the University as well as building relationships in the local community. She said she understands the importance of leading an active lifestyle and the impact this can have on health, wellbeing and the mental health of individuals. With a ‘fantastic team’ ready to take on new challenges she believes they can really make a difference to all customers who use the facilities.