Dr Jill Alexander

As the course leader for the DProf and MProf in Elite Performance, Jill is responsible for course development and facilitation of the programme. She ensures the course continues its outstanding reputation. Focussing on bringing together the development of research informed teaching and publication output of a practical applied nature, advocating real world and evidenced based practices simultaneously within teaching and learning.

Jill began her career as a graduate sports therapist in 2008, qualifying with a first-class (hons) degree. As an ex-gymnast competing nationally, sport has been an influential part of her career. Since graduating, Jill has worked in semi and professional rugby for several years at national and county level and most recently with the France national team at the U20’s World Cup.

Jill has led several funded projects including most recently a tripartite Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) cryotherapy project with UCLan, Manchester Metropolitan University and ProMOTION EV1; a collaborative project funded by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) to develop an evidence-based classification system in Elite Para Equestrian Dressage for the FEI; and most recently provided consultancy work with the FA Premier League, through funded research projects, to aid the development of policy guidelines.

Her findings from her Ph.D. titled; Utilisation of Cryotherapy in Elite Sport: Understanding the Multifaceted Response, provides a framework for the optimisation of cryotherapy for injury, recovery and performance in sport. She has recently presented this work at the FIFA Medical Conference in Lyon, Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Staff Education Programme 2023, NBATA conference in Chicago, and several FA Premier League clubs. She is currently working on consultancy projects within elite sport reviewing recovery strategies, protocols and optimisation within their environments and the impact on performance.

Jill is the Research and Funding Lead for the Football Performance Hub at the University of Central Lancashire, with research interests for the optimisation of cryotherapy and performance recovery strategies within elite sport. She has published over 60 peer-reviewed publications in cryotherapy and elite performance.

She currently works as an independent Performance Recovery Consultant for several Championship and FA Premier League Football (Soccer) clubs, currently leading several projects to maximise individual player recovery strategies, player education materials and R&D initiatives for improved player, department and club recovery and performance. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Elite Sport Performance.