Graduate lands dream job straight out of uni

Will is just one of eight up-and-coming talents in broadcasting selected as a host of this year's The Hundred - a national cricket competition attended by hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Chosen as a Rising Host for the competition's Utilita Bowl fixtures, Will received industry mentorship and took part in a two-day workshop before he steps into his role as a presenter on Sunday 10 August. Will will be supported by Kenzie Benali, a popular sports presenter and alumna of Solent University.

"I'm immensely proud and very excited to be the Rising Host for the Southern Brave in this year's edition of The Hundred," Will says. "It will be fast-paced and full of energy, something I'm looking forward to influencing."

Will, who came to Solent through Clearing after deciding to apply to university last minute, credits the University for supporting him in landing this opportunity. From being told about the role through his course and creating his application using equipment at the University, to gaining practice-led experience during his degree, Will says:

"I felt slightly nervous but ultimately confident due to the reassurance and practise I had whilst studying sports journalism at Solent."

This isn't the first time Will has had success in the industry. In 2024, Supported by his lecturers, Will travelled to Augusta, Georgia to report on the Masters - the biggest golf championship in the world.

Interim Head of Film and Media at Solent, Will Cope, says:

"This is a fantastic achievement for Will. He beat a huge amount of competition to land this role, which is a testament to him and his attitude to his craft. He is very well placed to make a serious impact on the sports journalism industry, and the latest in a long line of very fine graduates from Solent University."

Will's successes both during and following his time at Solent are proof that Clearing is simply an alternative route to success in higher education. "It really feels like a door has opened at the right time, straight after graduating," Will says. "I'm very thankful for that."

Find out more about sports journalism at Solent here.