Former Canterbury Hockey Club player and Canterbury Christ Church University alumna Grace Balsdon has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the university in recognition of her achievements in hockey and contribution to women’s sport.

Balsdon, an Elite Christ Church sport scholar from 2011 until 2014, received a bursary and support from the university to help balance her studies in Physical Education and Sport and Exercise Science alongside her sporting schedule.

She had started her hockey career playing for Canterbury and plays club hockey in the Women’s England Hockey League Premier Division for Hampstead and Westminster.

Canterbury-born Balsdon made her senior international debut in 2014 and has represented both GB and England hockey.

The 30-year-old has gained nearly 70 caps for England and 48 caps for GB, winning Commonwealth Games gold and Olympic Games bronze.

Defender Balsdon said: “When you receive honours, such as this, it’s a lovely moment to take the time to pause and reflect on the journey you have been on and what you have achieved - the resilience and the determination you have shown to overcome barriers and, ultimately, achieve great successes.”

She received her award at a ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral on September 12, where Balsdon was joined by more than 1,100 Canterbury Christ Church University students who enjoyed their graduation ceremonies on the same day.