Nicola Combarro, an elite sports physiotherapist who was a member of the University of Hertfordshire’s first physiotherapy cohort, is set to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Sports Science.
Nicki has worked with professional athletes at the pinnacle of international competition, most notably as a member of Team GB and Team England at numerous Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
A graduate from the first cohort of physiotherapy students to study at the university, Nicki founded an on-campus physiotherapy practice that has since treated a large number of students and local athletes.
Nicola served as head physiotherapist for Team GB at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics, Tokyo 2021, and Paris 2024, having been a key member of the national team since 2012.
The University of Hertfordshire’s bi-annual graduation ceremonies take place at St Albans Cathedral from 2 to 11 September, with nearly 6,000 Herts students celebrating the completion of their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
‘[The recipients] are all people who have contributed significantly to their fields of expertise, and I am particularly pleased that nearly half our honorary awardees this year began their journeys at Herts as students’ [Anthony Woodman]
Recipients made a ‘significant contribution’
Nicola is one of 13 individuals who will receive an honorary award. Among them is Adam Sewell-Jones, chief executive of the East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust, who will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Science. Adam has held numerous roles in the health sector, including ones with Monitor and NHS Improvement.
Anthony Woodman, the university’s vice-chancellor, said: ‘Graduation is an unforgettable moment, and I congratulate everyone who is graduating from the University of Hertfordshire this September. Your graduation ceremony is an opportunity to reflect on the journey that has led you here, and to celebrate with the people who have supported you along the way.’
Professor Woodman added: ‘I am delighted to be welcoming 13 outstanding individuals to our community of Honorary Awardees. These are all people who have contributed significantly to their fields of expertise, and I am particularly pleased that nearly half our honorary awardees this year began their journeys at Herts as students.’
