Emily Defroand

Emily has been a change maker in women's sport and a strong advocate of equality. She was integral to England Hockey's Stick it to Racism campaign. Emily was also a member of the Women's Sport Trust 'Unlocked' programme, where she used her platform to increase the visibility of Women's Sport.

She is an ambassador for England Hockey’s East London Project, targeting children in disadvantaged areas. as an England Hockey 'Flyerz Champion', which raises the awareness of grassroots disability inclusion within the sport, as well as being a Spencer Lynx Hockey Ambassador, which provides hockey resources to children in disadvantaged areas in inner-city London. She is driven to make sport accessible to all, no matter gender, race, religion or ability. Her work has broken down barriers to success and given more children the opportunity to play and enjoy sport.

What’s your connection to the University of Birmingham?

I spent four years studying at Birmingham, between 2012 and 2016. I completed my undergraduate degree (BSc Sport, Physical Education and Coaching Science) between 2012 and 2015 and my postgraduate degree (MSc Sport Policy, Business and Management) between 2015 and 2016.

Do you have a favourite sport? What do you like about it?

As a former Great Britain and England Hockey Player I think my answer to this question is obvious! I have played hockey since the age of six and the sport has given me so many opportunities and incredible memories over the years.

The best part of playing hockey is that it is a team sport. Knowing that you and your teammates have a special camaraderie - all working towards the same goal is something really powerful. Some of my best friends are my current or former teammates. For a spectator, hockey is full of exciting, fast-paced action - and no doubt the hockey played on the University pitch throughout the Commonwealth Games will not be any different!

Away from hockey, I love to watch athletics and gymnastics. Both sports require such high levels of skill and are so gripping to watch.

While growing up, did you follow any particular sports stars?

Growing up, I followed Kelly Holmes, Beth Tweddle and Jessica Ennis-Hill - all three athletes competed at the Commonwealth Games at some point in their careers! Kelly, Beth and Jessica are all trailblazing women and, through their success, helped to pave the way and inspire the current generation of Team England athletes.

Nowadays, I have huge admiration for Laura Kenny and Dina Asher-Smith. Both are incredibly successful in their respective sports but also, I have real admiration for how they both conduct themselves away from competition. They are brilliant role models for women’s sport.

What are you most looking forward to during the Games?

I competed at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia so I am most looking forward to watching the Games as a spectator this time around.

Watching my old teammates represent Team England, on home soil will be a proud moment. What’s even more special is that a third of the England Women’s Hockey Squad are either past or present University of Birmingham students, which is a remarkable feat.

How does it feel to know your alma mater is hosting the Games?

Birmingham was announced as the host of the 2022 Commonwealth Games the year after I left the University. When I heard that the University itself would be hosting some of the events, I can't describe how excited I was! It will be a wonderful way to showcase the University and its incredible sports facilities, as well as being a fabulous opportunity for the whole city to welcome the Commonwealth to Birmingham. There is already a real buzz of excitement and anticipation for the Games to begin - and I for one, can’t wait.

How does it feel to be selected as a batonbearer?

I feel totally overwhelmed to have been nominated by the University to be a batonbearer. The University gave me four of the best years of my life and I will be forever grateful for my time here. To be able to carry the Baton, knowing that I am representing the University of Birmingham, will be a very proud moment.