Sport and study is a challenge that class act SETU student Kate faces with ease
Kate was awarded Sports Person of the Year at SETU's Sport and Societies Awards 2025. Pic: SETU.ie
Kate Hickey is one of Ireland’s most exciting young basketball talents, who this year was named Student Sport Ireland’s, Sports Person of the Year.
A final year student on SETU's BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education programme, Kate balances her sporting career with her passion for education.
Speaking about her studies and her pursuit of what she is passionate about, she said: “I chose to study Early Childhood Education at SETU because it offered the perfect combination of quality education, practical experience, and convenience."
"As I live in Waterford, SETU was a natural choice as it allowed me to pursue a degree in a field I'm passionate about, without having to relocate," she said.
Kate said she likes the practical nature of the course too, commenting: “The University has a strong reputation in education and childcare studies, and I was especially drawn to how the course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning through placements.”
She highlighted the fact the lecturers are experienced and supportive and the class sizes allows for "a more personal learning environment".
"I’ve benefited from the strong community feel on campus and the student support services that help with everything from academic advice to career planning”, she said.
With regard to settling into university Kate said being involved sport helped her enormously.
“Being part of the SETU Women’s basketball team has been one of the most important and rewarding parts of my college experience," she said.
"It’s not just about the sport; it’s about the sense of community, discipline, and support it brings.”
She said she made great connections after joining the basketball team, commenting: “Playing on the team helped me settle into university life, especially during my first year, and gave me an instant group of friends who share the same passion and drive.”
However, for Kate the ability to balance sport and studies was intrinsic to her success on her course and she admitted that learning to balance sport and studies was vital.
“Balancing training and matches with my studies taught me valuable time management and teamwork skills," she said.
"It also gave me a healthy outlet for stress, which has been essential during busy or challenging academic periods," she added.
Kate was awarded the SETU Sports Scholarship for the duration of her studies and she said that made a huge difference for her.
“It made a huge difference in my ability to balance basketball and my studies," she said.
"It not only gave me financial support, but also structure and motivation," she added.
She went on to comment: "Knowing that SETU was backing me both as a student and an athlete made me feel recognised and valued.”
Kate was awarded Sports Person of the Year at SETU's Sport and Societies Awards 2025, having represented Ireland at the Eurobasket qualfiers, and captaining SETU's Women's Basketball Team as they secured both the league and intervarsity titles this year.
“Having this kind of support system in place gave me the confidence to fully commit to both areas of my life and maintain high standards both on the court and in the classroom," she said.
"Overall, the scholarship made my college experience not just manageable, but incredibly fulfilling.”
