Claire Stancliffe graduated from the University in Sport & Physical Education in 2011and has gone on the captain the GB deaf women’s football team, leading them to collect a bronze medal at this summer's Deaf World Cup in Italy.

Claire claimed almost three-quarters of the public vote, finishing ahead of second-placed tennis star Serena Williams.

“I never thought I would ever be nominated, let alone win. I felt like I had accomplished something great as deaf athletes don't get any recognition or funding for what we do. So to win against the likes of Serena Williams is incredible,” said Claire, 27, who lives in Wellingborough in Northamptonshire.

“I hope my story inspires everyone to never give up on their dreams no matter how hard things get. Find a way to make it happen if you really want it.”

Claire first discovered her love of football in primary school and joined her first team when she was 15. Her passion continued to university, where her lecturers encouraged her to follow her dreams.

“They (my lecturers) gave me a lot of confidence and belief to achieve different things. The different subject areas, such as psychology and physiology, also helped me personally as this increased my knowledge in sports performance,” said Claire.

This knowledge served Claire well, especially when she represented her country in the Deaf World Cup.

Although the team narrowly missed out on the final, they didn’t go home empty-handed, and were awarded a bronze medal for their exceptional performance.

“Of course we were slightly gutted but I’m very proud of how we all pulled together to win the bronze medal match just 17 hours after the disappointment of missing out on the final,” said Claire.