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Earps receives honorary degree

by
Matthew Holt
Friday 15 December 2023 16:17

Manchester United Women goalkeeper Mary Earps has been awarded an honorary degree by Loughborough University for her outstanding contributions to not only sport, but to the global recognition and celebration of female sporting excellence.

Mary, who attended the university as a student and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) award in Information Management and Business Studies in 2016, has continued to pave the way as an inspiration in the world of football, representing United and England at the very highest level over recent years.

Having recently been included on the six-person shortlist for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023, Earps was also named the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year just last month, becoming the first goalkeeper to claim the honour.

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The United shot-stopper was named the best goalkeeper at the FIFA Women's World Cup over the summer, having been awarded the Golden Glove accolade, and has returned following the Lionesses' campaign in Australia and New Zealand to continue making an impact for the Reds.

Earps has kept four clean sheets in nine starts so far this term, including in each of our last two WSL outings, away to Bristol City and Tottenham.

Marc Skinner's side are currently fourth in the WSL standings, having lost just one game in the league to this point in 2023/24.

Earps was also crowned The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper for 2022 back in February and made history at the recent Ballon D’or ceremony by finishing fifth in the standings for the Feminin prize, the all-time highest ranking for a player of her position.

Proudly speaking after being honoured at Loughborough's winter graduation service on Thursday, Mary explained what this latest piece of prestigious recognition means to her.

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“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.”

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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.”

A huge congratulations, Mary – we are so proud of you and everything you are achieving.

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