Emotional Laura Woods beams as she is awarded an honorary doctorate in front of fiancé Adam Collard back at her old university, 18 years after she graduated

Laura Woods was all smiles this week as she returned to Kingston University to collect an honorary doctorate in recognition of her ‘outstanding contribution to journalism and promoting women in sport’.

The 38-year-old received her bachelor’s degree in Print Journalism from Kingston University in 2008 before forging a hugely successful career in sports broadcasting, which has seen her work for the likes of Sky Sports, talkSPORT and, most recently, TNT Sports.

Woods was watched on by her fiancé Adam Collard and their baby son, Leo, as she collected the award during the University’s winter graduation ceremonies, in front of students and guests from the School of Arts and the School of Creative and Cultural Industries.

‘Receiving this award has made me more emotional than I can imagine,’ Woods said after collecting the honour. ‘The encouragement I got from my lecturers prepared me for the career I have in the best possible way – I have so much to thank the University for.’

After graduating nearly 20 years ago, Dagenham-born Woods began her career as a production runner at Sky Sports before stepping in front of the camera. 

She made her presenting debut on Sky Sports’ YouTube channel covering darts before later going on to become a household name in 2018 as a pitchside reporter on Sky Sports’ Super Sunday programme.

Woods was watched on by her fiancé Adam Collard and their son Leo, who is about to turn one

An emotional Woods addressed the room after receiving her award, telling attendees that the encouragement she received from her lecturers prepared her for her career ‘in the best way’

Her career has since gone from strength to strength. Woods has covered Premier League football for Amazon Prime Video and presented talkSPORT’s Breakfast Show, winning multiple accolades including two Sports Journalists’ Association awards for Best Presenter.

She continued her rise at ITV, where she covered the 2022 Men’s World Cup and the 2023 Women’s European Championship, before being appointed TNT Sports’ lead presenter for UEFA Champions League coverage in 2023, alongside heading up the broadcaster’s boxing coverage.

Beyond broadcasting, Woods is a passionate advocate for equality in sport and media, appearing in the documentary Game On: The Unstoppable Rise of Women’s Sport.

Addressing graduates after receiving her award, she offered words of advice for future success: ‘Always work hard but always be authentic, you really are the only person that can do you and do it well. 

‘You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, it’s the only way you can grow, so trust in yourself and be bold, brave and unapologetic.’

The award was presented by Beth Brewster, Head of the Department of Journalism, Publishing and Media, who taught Woods nearly 20 years ago.

She said: ‘I remember teaching Laura as a student full of energy, enthusiasm and real drive, and it’s been such a thrill to watch her career grow. 

‘Seeing her again now, and celebrating this truly well-deserved honour, makes me incredibly proud. She’s achieved so much and this recognition couldn’t be more fitting.’

Woods and former Love Island contestant Collard announced their engagement in September 2024, having begun their relationship the year before. They welcomed their son, Leo, in January last year.