AN INSPIRATIONAL sports ambassador from Stoke-on-Trent has been recognised with an honorary degree from Staffordshire University today.
Attitudes are contagious, make sure each and every one of yours is worth catching.”
Angela Smith is widely recognised for changing the face of women’s squash through a career that pushed the sport to new audiences and took her around the globe as both competitor and coach. She is now well-known for her ambassadorial role with Stoke City football Club and as Chair of the Supporters Council.
Angela received the Award of Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of her remarkable sporting achievements, for supporting and promoting women in sport and the development of professional squash, alongside her ambassadorial role for Stoke-on-Trent and Stoke City FC.
On receiving her honorary degree, Bucknall-born Angela told graduands: “Success opens doors to you and now you’ve been successful, you need to go through those doors and you need to push open even more doors. Don’t be afraid to try and aspire to even greater heights than you think you can achieve yourselves.
“Sometimes it will be difficult, sometimes you will take knock-backs. At that point I would suggest you take stock, look back at days like today, look at where you came from and what made you the success you are.”
She added: “Attitudes are contagious, make sure each and every one of yours is worth catching.”
More than 700 graduates are attending ceremonies this week at the King’s Hall, Stoke and Spode China Hall.