Varsity Preview: A Talk With Sports Union President Mia Jennings

By Eva Milne, The Jute Journal Lead

Last week, The Jute Journal sat down with Sports Union (SU) President Mia Jennings to discuss the upcoming election for the new SU president, the role’s main responsibilities, and the biggest day of the year—Varsity.

Tomorrow is Varsity 2025, a guaranteed day of fun for all students, featuring matches throughout the day, social events, non-player games, and a massive after-party.

Varsity Image (University of Dundee)

The Jute Journal (TJJ): What is the SU president, and what are the main responsibilities?

Jennings: “The Sports Union president is essentially the voice of the students. Once elected, it’s a full-time job, and your role is to represent sports at a university-wide level.

“The main responsibilities vary depending on the time of year. Right now, it’s a lot of Blues and Colours Awards, the Blues and Colours Ball, and Varsity. You organize all these major events while also representing students at the Student Representative Council (SRC).

“You also chair finance meetings and Blues and Colours meetings and support clubs with their growth and development—whatever that looks like and whatever they need. It’s a mix of everything.”

TJJ: What have you enjoyed most this year as president?

Jennings: “So much. I love that the role varies because I thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy the constant changes. It means you never get bored—when you walk in at 9 a.m., there’s always something new.

“I also love working with the Sports Union teams and my executive group. They’re so fun, and it feels like a family.”

TJJ: What has been the most challenging part of the job?

Jennings: “I’d say the biggest challenge is balancing everything. You’re constantly juggling multiple responsibilities, and it’s tough to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Time management is crucial, and it can be difficult not to let the job take over your life.

“There are so many initiatives you want to implement at the beginning of the year, and you’re eager to do them all. But there are external factors you don’t always anticipate.”

TJJ: How did you manage the transition from being on a club committee to the wider SU executive?

Jennings: “Being vice president of sport last year helped because it gave me insight into how the SU operates on a broader scale.

“Stepping into the president role has been a big jump, though. Instead of working within one club, I now deal with club committees on a much larger scale—46 times over.

“Many of the challenges are the same, which is helpful because the skills are transferable. Whether it’s welfare issues, training concerns, or other challenges, you use the same problem-solving approach, just on a bigger scale. It also helps that this is a full-time role, so I don’t have to balance it with studies or training.”

TJJ: What advice would you give to the incoming SU president?

Jennings: “Use your executive team 100%. When I was VP, I didn’t have too much to do, but as president, I’ve really leaned on my exec and delegated a lot to them. I think it’s made us closer as a group because we work together more, which is great.

“Also, don’t let it take over your life. Make sure you still take time for yourself, go out, and have fun. It goes by so quickly, so just enjoy it.”

TJJ: Are you excited for Varsity? Give us a rundown for students who don’t know what to expect.

Jennings: “I am so excited for Varsity, especially because this is my year of Varsity, which is amazing.

“And what isn’t happening? We’ve got events in the Sport and Active Health (SpAH) building from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—there’s even free pizza.

“At Riverside, there’s a bake sale, a bar, food trucks, and music from DEMS playing all day. Fixtures will be happening from noon to 5 p.m.

“There’s also a Piper Walk heading to Riverside at 1:30 p.m., so if you want to join us and watch some matches, you can. We’ll have social rounders that anyone can participate in, whether you’re in a club or not. If you’re not playing in Varsity, definitely come down and join that.

“After basketball, there’s an awards ceremony. The whole event has such a great atmosphere for both universities, and I love that. Then, of course, it all ends with the after-party at Club T.”

Make sure to head down to Riverside and the SpAH tomorrow for such a great day. To read the candidates manifestos and vote in the upcoming SU president elections click here.