What Happens When You’re Not Finished With Competitive Sport Yet?

From Alcorcon, Madrid, to the United States to study an undergraduate degree, and now in the UK pursuing her masters. This former NCAA Division 1 athlete from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, now plays a key role in Essex’s historic women’s tennis run to the BUCS Big Wednesday final.

Introducing…. Alexandra Dodashev

Built in Spain

“Growing up and training in Spain shaped the foundations of my game. I had a great coach, strong results, and a high national ranking, so tennis quickly became a central part of my life. Most tournaments were with my mum and my coach, and although I loved competing, I also felt a lot of pressure because I always wanted to win. That environment taught me discipline and resilience from a young age.”

Learning to compete under pressure

“Moving to the United States opened an entirely new world. Tennis suddenly became a team sport, and the intensity of NCAA Division I competition, combined with the academic workload, made those four years fly by. The schedule was demanding, the pressure from coaches was constant, and balancing matches with homework was genuinely challenging. But that experience made me tougher mentally and physically, and it taught me how to perform under stress.”

Finding balance and enjoyment at Essex

“The UK has been different again. BUCS has a similar structure to the NCAA, but the atmosphere is more relaxed. I’ve been able to enjoy competing without the same level of pressure, and the team environment at Essex has been incredible. Our coach and the group dynamic made this season special, and that positive environment helped us achieve major results, like making the BUCS Big Wednesday National Vase Cup final and our promotion to National Premier Division.”

Why Essex was the right next step

“I always knew I wanted to pursue a master’s degree, but I didn’t realise I could continue competing while studying, similar to the US system. When I discovered that opportunity, I spoke with several coaches, and Nigel was the one who made me feel that Essex was the right place for me. I wasn’t wrong. I’ve learned so much academically and athletically, and I’ve created memories here that I’ll carry with me for a long time.”

BUCS vs NCAA: A different competitive edge

“BUCS is still competitive, but the atmosphere is noticeably calmer. In the NCAA, matches were extremely intense. Players were loud, hypercompetitive, and sometimes disrespectful. Here, the environment feels more respectful and balanced. You still want to win, but the energy is more positive, and that makes a big difference.”

Driven by more to achieve

“Tennis has been part of my life since I was five, and I still feel I have more potential to explore. Injuries slowed me down at times, but I know I can reach a higher level. When I return home, I plan to compete in more professional tournaments to see where it takes me. I’m motivated by the possibility of improving, by the love I have for the sport, and by the feeling that there is still more to achieve.”

What makes this Essex team special

“From the beginning, we understood each other. Our chemistry was natural. We supported one another on and off the court, and we always gave our best, even on days when our ‘100%’ felt more like 60%. The environment was positive, fun, and genuinely enjoyable.

Image credit: @sanne.hoffman.photography

Our coach deserves a lot of credit, too; his energy and good vibes shaped the team culture. We all shared a similar sense of humour and attitude, which made the season not only successful but memorable.”

Sport as a global platform

“I had never thought about it in that way before, but studying International Relations has made me more aware of how sport connects people across borders. Tennis has allowed me to make friends from all over the world, and combining my academic interests with my athletic experience has been the perfect balance. I’m grateful I didn’t miss the chance to pursue both.”

Life beyond the court

“I see myself working in the field I’ve studied for. Tennis will always be part of my life, but my long-term goal has always been to build a career in international affairs. Tennis has supported that journey by giving me opportunities, structure, and experiences that have shaped who I am. I hope to stay connected to the sport, but professionally, I want to focus on the path I’ve prepared for since my undergraduate years.”

Discover how our Performance Sport programme at Essex can support your overall development.

Follow our student athletes’ journey on Instagram @uniessexperform

Sports scholarships and bursaries

We are committed to supporting and developing high performance athletes. Find out whether you could be eligible for a sports scholarship or bursary, plus a range of additional benefits too when you join the University of Essex.