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| Student Katy on the ball
By Verity Ward South Shields Gazette
10/07/2007
RUGBY star Katy McLean has tackled education full-on and graduated.
During the last year of her degree, the 21-year-old has risen up the ranks of the England squad.
And now that she has graduated from sport studies at Sunderland University, she can concentrate full-time on her sporting career.
Katy, from South Shields, made her debut for England Women's Rugby team in the RBS Six Nations tournament against Scotland in February. She now has four caps.
The fly-half, who wears the No 10 shirt for England – like Jonny Wilkinson – is the only north-east player to be chosen for the England women's first team, which is ranked second in the world standings.
Katy, who plays domestic rugby for national Division One side Thirsk, said: "My family and friends are really pleased, especially as they know how much work I have put in."
She graduated along with Newcastle Falcons rising star Gavin Beasley,
from Whitehaven in Cumbria.
Gavin, who studied Sports and Exercise Sciences, made his professional debut for Newcastle Falcons in November last year against Harlequins and last month was named as a member of the Academy's senior squad.
Gavin and Katy have been supported throughout their time at the University of Sunderland as part of the Elite Athletes scheme.
The university scheme offers funding and professional support to athletes who are breaking into the high end of their sports.
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