Lauren Cadden

BSc (Hons) in Health Science and Physical Activity

Sligo

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choose your course

My name is Lauren Cadden and I am an Irish Sprinter. I’m 20 years old and currently in my second year studying Health Science and Physical Activity at ATU Sligo. I have always been very sporty and tried my hand at any sport I could. I stopped playing Gaelic 2.5 years ago to focus on my running. I have always been quite competitive, part of it being from having 4 brothers. I usually train 6 days a week with 3 running days. I chose to study Health Science & Physical Activity because I had an interest in that course and knew it could lead to many different career paths like physio, which I liked. I wanted to study something which was sports-based and where I could work with and help people.

Why did you choose ATU Sligo?

I chose ATU Sligo because it had a course that I wanted to study and because it also allowed me to remain at home and train with my coach as I had been. ATU had all the facilities that I needed which have a huge benefit for me and my training.

What advice would you give someone thinking about choosing ATU Sligo?

I would tell them that it has so much to offer and I would tell them to make sure they have an interest in the course that they are choosing and to look into it and see the classes they will have. I’d tell them to attend the Open Day and ask questions about their course.

Do you like Sligo as a student town? e.g. things to do, food, nightlife, clubs and societies, accommodation etc.

Yes, I like Sligo as a student town. It has a lot to offer from restaurants to nightclubs and there all within walking distance of each other and the student accommodation and college. It has loads of restaurants so you have plenty to choose from. There are plenty of places and scenic walks to visit and explore like Hazelwood and Doorley Park

What specifically about your course do you particularly enjoy?

I like the practical side of my course and getting to do the hands-on elements. I enjoy going to the gym and testing each other. It’s not all theories which I like.

What would you say to a student thinking about studying your course?

I would tell them to make sure they have an interest in that field. I enjoy the course but it can be a lot of work at times and I think if you didn’t enjoy it, it would be much harder to stay motivated. I would say to look at the different classes you will be studying to make sure you like them.

Tell us about your sporting career/success so far?

• I am currently a member of the women’s u23 National 4×100 relay.
• I qualified for the European u20 200 meters and had been ranked in the top 16 in the lead up to the competition. A hamstring injury forced me to withdraw from going. I was also part of the U20 women’s national relay team which qualified for the same Europeans.
• I’ve represented Ireland and medalled for Ireland at Schools International coming 3rd over 300 metres and was a part of the 4×300 metres relay who also finished 3rd.
• Second in my first intervarsity competition over 200metres.
• Given a civic reception for doing the double at underage levels- Winning the 60&200 metres indoors and Winning the 100 & 200 metres outdoors- I also broke both championship 200metre underage records.
• Competed for Ireland in Belgium over 200 metres and was apart of the 4x100m relay

What is the best thing about sports and sports facilities at IT Sligo?

ATU Sligo has so many sports facilities all within walking distance of each- other. For me, having a full Olympic sized running track is ideal. There’s a fully equipped gym with a full basketball court below. There’s an Astro pitch along with a full-sized football pitch in the middle of the track. There’s a Gaelic and rugby pitch and a training pitch too. The sports facilities are the best of the best and used by so many people every day.

How has the sports scholarship benefited you? What are its advantages of it?

The scholarship has been very beneficial for me. It helps out both academically and financially. The college allows for extra support if needed because a lot of time goes into training, racing and travelling. They are very understanding and offer extensions and extra support if needed. Thankfully I haven’t needed this yet but I know that if I ever do it will help a lot and will help me avoid any stress. Financially it helps as well because balancing training and college doesn’t leave much time for a job. It gives free gym membership all year round which is a huge bonus and it is within walking distance of the college campus.