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Former Leeds Beckett student named UEFA Women's Player of the Year
Lucy graduated with BSc (Hons) Sports Studies from the Carnegie School of Sport in 2013 and during her time at university was a key member of the university’s women’s football team.
In her first season at Leeds Beckett Lucy was part of the 2010/11 league winning BUCS Premier North squad and during her time at the university held a sports scholarship in recognition of her outstanding sporting talent.
Last season the England right back guided her club Olympic Lyon to the French league title, Champions League and French Cup trophy and helped steer the Lionesses to the Women’s World Cup semi-finals.
Her successful season resulted in her claiming the UEFA award as well as her nomination for FIFA's Best Player of the Year Award alongside American World Cup winners Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe.
Leeds Beckett University’s Director of Sport Sally Nickson said: “Lucy was a player who showed great potential and promise whilst playing at Leeds Beckett, so I’m thrilled she has received the award.
“Lucy’s hard work and success with Lyon and the Lionesses this season has been inspirational. She has been at the forefront of a successful period for the Lionesses and has come a long way since graduating from Leeds Beckett University.”
Because of international duties she was unable to attend the awards in Monaco, which saw Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk named the men’s UEFA Player of the Year.
In a video message at the ceremony, Lucy said she was ‘ecstatic’ to have the won the award ahead of her Olympic Lyon teammates Ada Hegerberg and Amandine Henry.
"I want to say a huge thanks to the Lionesses, the England team. We had a great summer and I don't think I would have won this award if it wasn't for them.
"The same goes for the Lyon team. We had an amazing season, we won the treble. I think any one of those girls could have been up here receiving this award."