Reading star Alex Danson is to receive an honorary masters degree from the University of Chichester, where she has done some coaching.
University secretary Isabel Cherrett said: “The University has a history of working with elite athletes and Alex is one of these.
“Her achievements to date, her motivation, determination and management of limited free time are inspirational qualities to be aspired to by undergraduate, postgraduate and Alumni of the University of Chichester.
“She is therefore an excellent role model to be recognised at our graduation ceremony for sports and PE students.”
Danson, who has helped coach students, is expected to miss Reading’s Investec League match at Leicester on Saturday
The England star, who recently completed a 10-year Open University course, will be missed as last Saturday she scored four times in Blues’ 5-2 win over Beeston.
Reading will also be without Scotland defender Emily Maguire due to an ankle injury, while Doctor Emma Thomas is ruled out due to hospital commitments.
Leah Wilkinson and Wiz Hunt remain sidelined through injury, but both hope to be back playing next month.
Wales defender Wilkinson, who is nursing a broken wrist, said: "Hopefully, I will be back for the game against Holcombe." (November 8th)

Squad: Ellis, Harper, Evans, Barnes, Downer, Raby, Caddick, Gilbert, Jones, Cockburn, Halle, Saligoi, Martin, Daly.

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Reading men face a double date with Hampstead and Westminster this weekend.

They have a NOW: Pensions League fixture at Sonning Lane tomorrow (4.30pm) and then on Sunday (2.30pm) the teams meet in the third round of the National Cup at Paddington Green Rec.
Blues have announced a strong squad for both games. But there will be a change of goalkeeper with Tommy Alexander playing tomorrow and Canadian Kevin Pereira on Sunday.
Ben Boon returns to the side after helping Great Britain Under-21s win the silver medal in the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia. GB won five matches, with Boon scoring in the first three, before losing 2-1 to India in the final.
Reading are certainly fielding a much stronger squad than they did in the last round when they won 9-1 against Ramgarhia at Southall.
"Our aim is to win the cup," said head coach Andy Watts.
The winners of Sunday's game will be through to the last 16, to be played on November 16th.
There will be some familiar faces in the Hampstead and Westminster squad with Olly Deasy, Iain Mackay, Harry Slater and Nick Page all being former Reading players.
Reading squads

Saturday: Alexander, R Mantell, Springham, Carter-Keal, Jackson, Atkins, Shingles, Newman, Clee, Codling, Clarke, Carson, S Mantell, Whelan, Heave, Boon.
Sunday: Pereira. R Mantell, Springham, Jackson, Freedman, Atkins, Shingles, Newman, Carson, S Mantell, Clee, Clarke, Hibell, Boon, Codling, plus one other.