Laura Woods was all smiles this week as she returned to Kingston College to gather an honorary doctorate in recognition of her ‘excellent contribution to journalism and selling ladies in sport’.
The 38-year-old acquired her bachelor’s diploma in Print Journalism from Kingston College in 2008 earlier than forging a vastly profitable profession in sports activities broadcasting, which has seen her work for the likes of Sky Sports activities, talkSPORT and, most lately, TNT Sports activities.
Woods was watched on by her fiancé Adam Collard and their child son, Leo, as she collected the award through the College’s winter commencement ceremonies, in entrance of scholars and visitors from the College of Arts and the College of Inventive and Cultural Industries.
‘Receiving this award has made me extra emotional than I can think about,’ Woods stated after amassing the honour. ‘The encouragement I received from my lecturers ready me for the profession I’ve in the absolute best approach – I’ve a lot to thank the College for.’
After graduating practically 20 years in the past, Dagenham-born Woods started her profession as a manufacturing runner at Sky Sports activities earlier than stepping in entrance of the digicam.
She made her presenting debut on Sky Sports activities’ YouTube channel protecting darts earlier than later happening to grow to be a family title in 2018 as a pitchside reporter on Sky Sports activities’ Tremendous Sunday programme.
Laura Woods beamed from the stage as as she returned to Kingston College to gather an honorary doctorate in recognition of her ‘excellent contribution to journalism’
Woods was watched on by her fiancé Adam Collard and their son Leo, who’s about to show one
An emotional Woods addressed the room after receiving her award, telling attendees that the encouragement she acquired from her lecturers ready her for her profession ‘in one of the best ways’
Her profession has since gone from energy to energy. Woods has lined Premier League soccer for Amazon Prime Video and offered talkSPORT’s Breakfast Present, successful a number of accolades together with two Sports activities Journalists’ Affiliation awards for Greatest Presenter.
She continued her rise at ITV, the place she lined the 2022 Males’s World Cup and the 2023 Ladies’s European Championship, earlier than being appointed TNT Sports activities’ lead presenter for UEFA Champions League protection in 2023, alongside heading up the broadcaster’s boxing protection.
Past broadcasting, Woods is a passionate advocate for equality in sport and media, showing within the documentary Recreation On: The Unstoppable Rise of Ladies’s Sport.
Addressing graduates after receiving her award, she supplied phrases of recommendation for future success: ‘At all times work onerous however all the time be genuine, you actually are the one particular person that may do you and do it properly.
‘It’s a must to get snug with being uncomfortable, it’s the one approach you’ll be able to develop, so belief in your self and be daring, courageous and unapologetic.’
The award was offered by Beth Brewster, Head of the Division of Journalism, Publishing and Media, who taught Woods practically 20 years in the past.
She stated: ‘I keep in mind educating Laura as a pupil filled with power, enthusiasm and actual drive, and it’s been such a thrill to observe her profession develop.
‘Seeing her once more now, and celebrating this really well-deserved honour, makes me extremely proud. She’s achieved a lot and this recognition couldn’t be extra becoming.’
Woods and former Love Island contestant Collard introduced their engagement in September 2024, having begun their relationship the 12 months earlier than. They welcomed their son, Leo, in January final 12 months.
