Fashion student throws herself into university experience

A student who started playing basketball during her first year at GCU is helping introduce disadvantaged young people to the sport.

Ceitidh Duncan, who is in the second year of her BA (Hons) Fashion Design with Business degree, took up basketball when she returned to University as a mature student.

“I had been to University before and dropped out of studying a degree in History. I didn’t get involved in University life overall and wanted things to be different this time. I figured the best way to do this would be to join one of GCU Students’ Association’s sports clubs.

“I had only played basketball a couple of times with my friends but always enjoyed it. I decided to get involved in the women’s team and it really has been great.”

Ceitidh added: “We were in Division 3 last season and actually won all our league games undefeated and we then won Team of the Year at Sports Ball 2024. All the girls get on really well. We all want to win and we all take training seriously, but we all have fun together as well.”

“It’s just been a really good way to socialise and for me to stay active. I feel like it has really supported my mental health throughout University as well.”

Having personally experienced the benefits of being involved in basketball, Ceitidh was keen to get others involved in the sport.

Rising Stars gave Ceitidh the opportunity to provide taster sessions to pupils in nearby St Rochs High School.

The charity, which was originally launched in Govan, aims to improve the lives of Glasgow’s most vulnerable children through an after school club which also provides academic support.

“I was contacted by Liam from Rising Stars and he was really keen to add GCU to the list of organisations that they’re partnered up with. City of Glasgow College, University of Glasgow and Strathclyde University are all part of the programme, and we were really the last ones to get involved – it’s nice to have that chance to give something back.

“A couple of the guys from the GCU men’s basketball team have been involved in Rising Stars but I’m the only girl volunteering. The sessions are basically just a way of introducing them to the sport. We tend to focus on defence, shooting and passing – the fundamentals of basketball really.”

Ceitidh is delighted to have been given the opportunity to introduce others to the sport and hopes some of her teammates will follow in her footsteps.

“It would be great to get more of the girls and guys involved from the two basketball teams. St Rochs is actually aligned to Strathclyde just now, but I’d love for GCU to get their own school at some point this year.

“It’s been rewarding being able to give back to the community and do something which really does make a difference to young people who need that little bit of support. It’s not just about basketball - it’s so much more than that.”

She added: “I would never have believed you if you told me I was going to be involved in something like this. I feel like the encouragement I was given by the girls in the team really gave me a lot of confidence and drove me on to do this.

“It’s not like I’m the next Michael Jordan but I’ve definitely picked up new skills! I love the sport, which is why it is so easy for me to teach it to others.”

Find out more about GCU Women’s Basketball Team here

By Ross Clark      
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter