Pioneering wheelchair basketball star Robyn Love has paid tribute to the place where her sporting career began, after being awarded an honorary doctorate by Edinburgh Napier University.
Since graduating from ENU with a degree in Biomedical Science in 2013, the 34-year-old from Ayr has represented Great Britain at three Paralympic Games – in Rio, Tokyo and Paris – captained Team Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and won silver and bronze medals at European and World Championships.
Born with arthrogryposis, a condition affecting muscle development, Robyn took up basketball during her time at ENU, where she was Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association vice president, captain of the women's basketball team, and president of the LGBTQ+ society.
She has continued to champion equality and accessibility in her roles as a director at Basketball Scotland, an LGBTQ+ ambassador with the British Elite Athlete Association.
Robyn’s honorary doctorate is awarded as she prepares to represent Scotland on home soil in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
She was formally presented with the degree during a graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall today, celebrating alongside her fiancé and teammate Laurie Williams.
Responding to the award of her honorary doctorate, Robyn said: “I’m deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the very institution where my journey truly began.
“It was here that I first picked up a basketball and discovered wheelchair sport – a moment that sparked a decade-long career representing Great Britain on the international stage.
“Alongside my sporting journey, I’ve been proud to advocate for the LGBT community, striving to create spaces where everyone can be seen, valued and empowered to thrive – much like my experience at Edinburgh Napier.
“This honorary doctorate is not just a celebration of achievement, but a reminder of the power of education, opportunity, and inclusion to transform lives.”
Presenting the degree, Professor Susan Brown, from ENU’s School of Applied Sciences said: “Robyn’s story reflects ambition, professionalism, inclusivity and innovation – each a cornerstone of our university’s values.
“She is a powerful role model for our graduates, reminding us that adversity can be a catalyst for greatness, and that leadership comes in many forms.
“Robyn has broken boundaries and redefined what is possible – not just for herself, but for the communities she represents. Her ambition drives her to excel, her professionalism is evident in her leadership and advocacy, inclusivity is at the heart of all she does, and her innovative spirit turns challenges into opportunities.”