In celebration of Women's Month, Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) is shining a spotlight on extraordinary staff and students on our campus who champion women's rights and gender equality. Through their dedication and leadership, they inspire and drive positive change. Dr Jocelyn Solomons broke barriers with a PhD on women's rugby development and has become a change-agent for women's sport in the country. As a lecturer in the Division of Sport Science at SU, Solomons not only excels in academia but also shines as an acclaimed Latin dancer and qualified Zumba instructor.
What makes you tick?
Being part of progress and change, challenging the status quo. Whether it's with students, systems or research. My cup is filled when working with students – mentoring them and watching them grow into different versions of themselves throughout their academic journey. Knowing that I can make a difference in so many lives every day, whether it's through one-on-one interactions or the broader impact of my research, makes me tick.
Tell us about your journey from being a young girl passionate about dance to becoming a junior lecturer in Strength and Conditioning at SU?
Proverbs 18:16 says, “Your gift will make room for you" and dance, as my God-given talent, has certainly opened many doors for me. It all started when I received a full bursary to attend Somerset College. The school not only nurtured my love for sport but also helped me excel academically. With its strong Christian values, I always felt the exposure I gained from attending one of the top schools in the country was preparing me to thrive later in life.
I still remember a careers-day expo in the school hall when I realised I wanted to study sport science – it was the only degree that had the word 'sport' in it! I listed law as my second option because, honestly, everything else seemed boring. I was fortunate to receive a bursary to study at SU, where I began my sport science degree in 2014. I completed both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and along the way, lecturers often asked me to “demi" certain modules, including dance.
Becoming a lecturer was never on my radar, but an opportunity arose within the Division, and my late mentor, Prof Wilbur Kraak (Head of the Department at the time), encouraged me to apply. When I received the news that I'd been selected, it felt like a strong affirmation that a group of people believed in my ability to make a difference in students' lives. Looking back, I never planned to become a lecturer, it's like the career found me.
What inspired you to focus your PhD dissertation on women's rugby and the perception of the sport in South Africa?
During Covid, Prof Kraak and I spent time brainstorming potential research topics. I knew I wanted my topic to be rooted in the sport of rugby, so our discussions naturally revolved around the men's game – that's what I was more familiar with. Just when I was about to pitch this great idea, he challenged me with a single question: “… then what?" That question made me rethink the topic in terms of its lasting impact beyond just being a hardcopy of a dissertation.
As my study promotor, Prof Kraak didn't shy away from asking the tough questions, and he often pointed out my blind spots. He made me realise that as a woman of colour, I was uniquely positioned to venture into research within women's rugby in South Africa. We both agreed that this research wouldn't just serve as a platform to impact the lives of the participants in the study, but it would also give me, as the researcher, a newfound perspective and the opportunity to become a change-agent for women's sport in the country.
How have the academic and sporting communities received your research on women's rugby ?
The response has been positive. People are open to discussing the research and understanding its findings. However, there's still a lot of work to be done in terms of translating those findings into practical solutions. This will require collaboration with experts and decision-makers in the rugby environment to make a real impact.
What do you consider your most significant achievement in your career so far?
The opportunity to share the TV platform with Prof Kraak and conduct an Afrikaans interview on my research in dance as well as rugby – it was a significant and memorable experience.
Can you share any specific initiatives or programmes you are involved in that aim to promote gender equality in sports?
I'm excited to launch my podcast series soon, where I discuss key issues in women's sport with experts from both on and off the field. We highlight the barriers women face and explore the positives and potential solutions.
What advice would you give to young women who aspire to enter the field of sport science or competitive sports?
Show up. Even when you're scared, feel unprepared and lacking confidence. Remember why you started.
How do you balance your demanding career with your personal life and interests, such as competitive dancing?
Very carefully! Fortunately, dance, strength and conditioning and my research form overlapping circles of integration – think Olympic rings. What I teach in the classroom, I apply in my dance training. What I practice in real life and teach, I also research. And what I research, I bring back to the classroom.
A typical week includes a gym session every morning before work, followed by a full workday. Wednesdays are dedicated to research-related tasks. Twice a week, I attend dance training in the evenings. Weekends are dedicated to family time and dance competitions. I also make sure my prep for the week is done by the Sunday. On paper, it all seems neatly organised, which definitely appeals to my type A personality.
What role has your family played in supporting your career and academic pursuits?
They've always been incredibly encouraging and supportive to the point where the boundary I see, is myself. If it weren't for my brother convincing me to enrol for my honours, I might have been content with just my sport science degree and working within a high-performance team setting as a strength and conditioning (S&C) coach. I'm also blessed to have a life partner who was a former professional rugby player and who now is an S&C coach. Thankfully, my support crew understands my drive and passion, no matter how outlandish, sudden, or even scary my ideas may seem at times.
How does the collaborative culture and research support at SU contribute to your work and professional growth?
Being part of the Early Career Academic Development (ECAD) programme has provided me with deliberate and intentional opportunities for career advancement and development. It's allowed me to be strategic about my personal and professional growth. The collaborative culture within the programme encourages me to be open to new ideas for teaching, conducting research and even finding fresh perspectives on the challenges I encounter in the classroom.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations within the field of sport science and gender activism?
I aspire to be recognised as a heavyweight in the research field of sport science, particularly as it relates to women in sport. I also envision myself collaborating with sport organisations and unions as a specialist consultant or advisor on topics such as coach education and development, as well as player development pathways in our sports. My ultimate vision is to be part of an era that pioneers both equity and equality for women in sport, especially in this country, whether it's in women's leadership roles, coaching or as athletes.
PHOTO: Stefan Els
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