As Kate O’Connor prepares to graduate from Ulster University in December 2025, she reflects on a journey defined by ambition, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence both on the track and in the classroom. A world-class heptathlete and now a proud Ulster graduate, Kate’s story is a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets opportunity.
Kate joined Ulster to pursue a Master’s in Communication with PR, a decision driven by her desire to complement her sporting career with strong professional skills, following a sports-focused undergraduate degree in Sheffield. With sports people often finding themselves in the public eye, it was this crossover that drew her to her postgraduate degree. She says: “I’ve always had an interest in broadcasting or some sort of outspoken job, however, when I was also started to do well in sport and didn’t have a ton of knowledge on how to deal with brands or how to sell myself. So, I went into the degree from a slightly different angle to my peers.”
Kate studied with support from Ulster University’s Performance Sport Programme, funded by the University and Lacuna Developments. And balancing elite-level training with academic deadlines was no easy feat.
“Training-wise, it takes a lot; I’m not just doing one event,” Kate says. “I would never have been able to do a full-time degree. So being able to do Communication with PR part-time was great because I knew I could balance the two.” Her strategy? Organisation and open communication. “I had to create my own hours to do the work and make sure that whenever I was at training, I set aside time every day to keep on top of my work. My lecturers were absolutely amazing. I was nervous at first, but I spoke openly with them and they fully understood.”
Having previously studied for her undergraduate degree during the pandemic, Kate was determined to enjoy the full university experience.
“I wanted to get that experience of going in, having lectures, going to the library. I completely felt like I was part of the university – I was so looked after.”
And beyond academia, Kate’s time at Ulster was about connection and experience. “One of the huge things has been the friends I’ve made from the course. The connections I’ve got have been amazing alongside the learning,” she says.
What Kate has achieved alongside her studies is remarkable. Last month, she was crowned Irish National Athlete of the Year after a record-breaking season that included heptathlon silver at the World Championships in Japan, indoor world silver, European bronze, and World University Games gold. She also set new Irish records in both the heptathlon and pentathlon and was additionally named Field and Multi Event Athlete of the Year.
With major competitions on the horizon, Kate’s calendar is packed. “Plans are indoor season with the World Indoor Championships in Portugal, and then the big ones; Commonwealth Games and European Championships,” she shares. Yet, she remains grounded and forward-thinking.
“Sport won’t last forever, and I want to make sure I have something else to back myself up. Education is something you’ll always have.”
Kate feels strong about sharing her experience with others who may be thinking about studying alongside pursuing an alternative career: “I’ve always wanted to be forwarding my education alongside my sport. I think it’s very important to have lots of different avenues.”
Her advocacy for Ulster speaks volumes:
“I had a great experience. I was looked after, and I felt like a university girl even though I wasn’t doing a full-time programme. I’d absolutely recommend Ulster.”
As she dons her graduation gown, Kate’s next chapter promises to be as inspiring as the one she’s closing.
