ENGLAND Ladies footballer Sue Smith received her honorary degree from Edge Hill university – making up for missing her graduation ceremony the first time round.
The forward, of Rainhill, was handed her degree at a ceremony on Monday by Professor Tanya Byron, chancellor of the university in Ormskirk.
Sue, 29, said: “I was away with the England team in Germany during my graduation back in 2003, so getting an honorary degree means a lot to me.
“My parents were there, so they were finally able to see me in a cap and gown.
“They have always been very supportive of my football, but they wanted me to study so I had something to fall back on.
“I had a great time at Edge Hill – I basically came to lectures, then went to training.
“I have always wanted to play football as long as I can remember.”
At 14, Sue was signed by Tranmere Rovers Ladies, and at 16 scored against Germany on her international debut in 1996.
Sue went on to study a sports science degree at Edge Hill.
She said: “All the staff were prepared to help me whenever I had a competition.”
