TASS student selected for British Swimming World Class Programme

Sunderland College student Pru Hubbard has been identified as a potential international star after being selected for an elite swimming development programme. 

Talented athlete Pru, from Whitburn, has enjoyed an outstanding season with Gateshead and Salford artistic swimming clubs, winning two silver medals at April’s national junior and senior championships in addition to claiming two silvers and two golds at the regional championships earlier this year. 

This success has seen the Sports Coaching and Development student ranked eighth in the UK for Free Solo and 10th for Technical Solo, achievements which led to her being selected for the British Swimming World Class Performance Programme with Britain’s best swimmers. 

The programme provides opportunities through access to training camps, competitions, funding, sports science and medical services as well as support from British Swimming performance staff and the national institute of sport programmes across the UK in preparation for the Team GB senior trials in October. 

Pru said: “I am really proud to be selected for the 2022 GB World Class Performance Programme and to see my efforts and individual contribution to my sport rewarded. I would like to thank everyone at Sunderland College involved with TASS for their support over the past two years; they have been fantastic. 

“I will be supporting with recruitment events for September 2022, hopefully inspiring those looking to study TASS at Sunderland College and I am delighted to have this opportunity.” 

Pru has excelled as a student-athlete at Sunderland College as part of the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), taking on several opportunities to develop her skills including the Coaching and Leadership Academy which helps young people progress into a coaching, teaching or sports leadership role, as well as assisting with college events and completing a work placement at a local leisure centre. 

In 2021 and 2022, she was nominated for the Association of College’s Student of the Year award, while also securing a part-time job as a lifeguard, using her talents in the pool to help others. 

Carl Jones, TASS Dual-Career Coordinator, added: “We are so proud of Pru and all of her efforts, for her to be selected for the World Class Development Programme is a fantastic achievement. 

“Pru came to us as an exceptionally talented synchronised swimmer and has continued to make significant progress, not only within her sport but also in her studies where she is performing admirably. 

“Her work ethic, character and maturity are a credit to her and had inspired her fellow students who she is always willing to support through their own learning journeys. 

“We are delighted to have played our part in her success through the TASS programme.” 

Sunderland College became a TASS dual-career accredited provider in 2018 recognising its commitment to reach their potential in education while achieving success in sport. 

TASS student-athletes have access to strength and conditioning coaches at Martin Nugent Elite Performance at Bede Campus who take their training to the next level. 

Pru has worked closely with the team at Bede Campus during her time out of the pool which has helped take her to the next level. 

Martin Nugent said: “It is great to see Pru’s talent and commitment recognised by being selected onto the GB World Class Performance Programme. 

“This opportunity will really empower her and enhance her knowledge and skills in synchronised swimming. 

“Pru has shown fantastic commitment and work ethic as always while working with us and this recognition is well deserved.”