Balancing elite sport with a full-time career

Cece Green, Class of 2018

“Balancing elite sport with a full-time career has taught me that passion, discipline and perseverance can take you further than you ever imagine.”

For Cece Green, success has never been about choosing between her passions. By day, she works as an Analyst at a global NGO, contributing to international climate action. Outside work, she competes for Great Britain in lacrosse, representing her country on the world stage.

Whether analysing global challenges or training for international competition, Cece has built a life driven by commitment, resilience and a determination to make a positive impact. Lacrosse has taught her teamwork, resilience and the ability to perform under pressure, qualities that are equally valuable in her work supporting international climate action.

Meanwhile, her professional role reinforces the importance of collaboration and long-term thinking, both on and off the field. Her journey demonstrates that it’s possible to combine elite sport with a meaningful career, proving that passion doesn’t have to be confined to a single path.

Female lacrosse player in a red jersey runs with a lax stick during a game on an outdoor field, stadium stands in the background.

Finding confidence through sport

Cece’s love of lacrosse began long before she represented her country. Inspired by her older sisters, she picked up a stick at an early age, but it was at LEH that the sport truly became part of who she was. Surrounded by talented teammates and inspirational coaches, she discovered not only a competitive spirit but also the confidence that comes from working towards ambitious goals together.

One of her proudest school memories came in 2018, when LEH’s First Lacrosse Team won the National Schools Championship for the first time in three decades, “Being part of that team showed me what can be achieved when everyone works towards the same goal.”

The experience laid the foundations for an international sporting career.

Smiling woman in a red England football jersey with team crest, posing for the camera.

From LEH classroom to GB Squad

After leaving LEH, Cece continued to develop both academically and athletically while studying at Durham University.

Alongside her studies, she represented England Under-19 at the 2019 World Cup before captaining the England Under-23 squad. Following graduation, she progressed into the England Senior Squad and later joined the emerging Great Britain squad.

International competition has taken her around the world, including tours to Japan, where she competed against the Japanese national team in Tokyo.

At the same time, Cece has built a career as an Analyst for a global NGO, helping tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Balancing elite sport with a full-time profession requires careful planning, dedication and a willingness to embrace challenge every day.

An LEH education takes you beyond the syllabus

Looking back, Cece credits LEH with giving her far more than sporting opportunities. Her first lacrosse coach, Nicky Budd, instilled the discipline, resilience and determination that continue to underpin both her sporting and professional life.

Those lessons have proved invaluable, whether preparing for international tournaments or managing the demands of a fast-paced career. Just as importantly, LEH encouraged her to pursue excellence across different areas of life, showing that success isn’t about limiting yourself to one ambition.

Fearless Futures

What would Cece’s advice be to current LEH students?

Be patient with yourself and trust your own journey.

Progress doesn’t always happen as quickly as you hope, but every challenge, training session and new experience helps build the confidence and resilience you’ll need for the future. Don’t feel you have to choose between your different passions, you may find they strengthen one another in ways you never expected.

“Be kinder and more patient with yourself, trusting that achievements will come.”