Molly Hudson, 21, studying BA (Hons) Sports Journalism, has won top prize in the competitive Sport Category at the Midlands Student Media Awards 2019.
The annual event celebrates the best new talent in journalism from across the region and Molly was named joint winner with Adam Barker and David Wainwright, both from the University of Derby, beating 12 other nominees to claim victory.
Molly said: “It is great to win an award and see some recognition for the work I have done whilst at Staffordshire University. It is a perfect way to end my degree.”
The award marks a successful year for Molly who writes for The Times newspaper covering women’s football on top of her studies. In January, she was nominated alongside established national journalists for ‘Football Writer of the Year’ at the British Sports Journalism Awards 2018.
Molly also covered the World Cup for the Independent last summer and is now looking forward to covering the Women’s World Cup in June.
She said: “I didn’t get a chance to do a speech but if I had it would have gone to the legend that is my lecturer Mitch Pryce. From his first phone call to my mum while I was working in McDonald’s trying to earn enough money to afford uni and from the very start he believed in me...and here we are!”
The annual awards, organised by Birmingham Press Club, acknowledge the achievements of next-generation journalists, broadcasters and photographers, attracting several hundred entries from across the Midlands.
The Sport Category had more entries than any other with Staffordshire University student Thomas Jobson also included on the 15-strong shortlist and was highly commended for a well-written portfolio.
Mitch Pryce, Sports Journalism Course Leader, said: “Only two of our current students were entered into this year's competition - both from Sports Journalism - but Molly and Tom proved it's quality not quantity that counts.
"They are a credit to their university - and to their proud parents. Molly was narrowly edged out of the Student of the Year award (she was highly commended) which covers all categories of journalism. But her achievements working for the national media already put her well ahead of the other contenders."
Birmingham Press Club chairman Llewela Bailey said: “Many well-known names in the media world have kick-started their careers after having successfully negotiated their courses at Midland universities and colleges. And I have no doubt that those who entered our awards will be following in their footsteps. The standard of submitted work was truly outstanding – a real credit to the lecturers who are helping to craft their careers.”
Discover more about studying at Staffordshire University at an Open Day – find more details or book place here.