Mary Earps awarded honorary doctorate
It's been a big week of awards and nods for the West Bridgford- born Lioness!
Last updated 15th Dec 2023
England goalkeeper Mary Earps has been awarded an honorary doctorate at her former university.
The Lioness said it was "pretty incredible" to receive the honorary degree from Loughborough University, where she graduated in 2016.
Accepting the award, the England and Manchester United player described her time at the university - where she gained a degree in information management and business studies in 2016 - as "manic" and said she did not expect life to be "a lot more manic later down the line".
"To be awarded an honorary doctorate is pretty incredible," Earps said.
"It's even more special to come back to where I studied and gained a degree in 2016. Life at Loughborough back then was what I thought was manic, little did I know life was going to get a lot more manic later down the line.
"It's great to be part of the growth of women's football. Many people have come before us and we've stood on their shoulders and benefited from that. Hopefully, future generations will equally benefit from what we've achieved in this time.
"I know being here today is not something everyone gets to do and I'm thankful to be awarded this honorary degree for my contributions to sport."
The 30-year old made her international debut the year after she graduated Loughborugh.
Since then, she played a crucial part in the Lionesses Euro title in 2022 when the team won the UEFA Women's European Championships.
She helped the team become World Cup runners up, with Earps being named the best goalkeeper at the tournament a
She was voted BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2023 and has been nominated for the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, which will be announced next week.
Yesterday, she had a Nottingham Tram named after her, which was unveiled near the Theatre Royal.
Earps was made a "Doctor of the University" at Loughborough's winter graduation service on Thursday.
Professor Nick Jennings, vice-chancellor and president of Loughborough University, said: "Mary's contribution to women's football has been nothing short of extraordinary.
"She consistently performs brilliantly at the very highest level, inspiring both peers and future generations.
"Loughborough is an institution that is synonymous with sporting excellence and alumna such as Mary make us incredibly proud.
"We're delighted to award Mary an honorary degree as we look forward to her achieving yet more greatness on the global stage."