Staff Profiles

Meet the Excelsior Team.

James Marshall: Owner

After working in the Health and Fitness Industry for several years, I set up Excelsior in 2002. I was studying for my MSc in Sports Coaching at Brunel University at that time and realised that I wanted to work with the Athletes directly; coaching being my passion.

I have worked with senior professional golfers, modern pentathletes and rugby union and league teams, but specialise in the development of youth athletes from 13-22 years old. I am also interested in Coach development for all sports coaches.

I competed in Shotokan Karate for 11 years, including 3 years on the senior England squad, retiring from competition after the 2004 World Championships in Tokyo. I subsequently trained in MMA and Boxing, but am now enjoying tennis.

Sarah Marshall: Chartered Physiotherapist.

I graduated from The University of Nottingham in 1996 with a Bsc (Hons) in Physiotherapy. I am now a highly skilled and experienced Physiotherapist with over 15 years of working in the NHS, private and sporting sectors.

I have extensive and general musculo-skeletal experience within the NHS treating the local public and recreational athletes. For the last 3 years I have been working as a clinical specialist, diagnosing and managing knee injuries/pathologies specifically within South Devon Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust.

I also have specific and comprehensive experience working with elite athletes. I particularly enjoyed my time working with London Welsh RFC and Exeter Chiefs RFC. I also have worked for England Hockey and England Karate.  A highlight of my career was providing Physiotherapy services to the athletes at the 2002 Commomwealth Games in Manchester.

When not being a Physiotherapist, I am a netball playing mother of two.

Carly James: Business Assistant

Stefan Parker: Coach- New York.

I studied for a BSc in Sport Science at the Univeristy of Surrey before working in the Health and Fitness Industry in London. I then moved to Pittsburgh, USA to study for my MBA. I have been living and working in New York City for the last 7 years. I play recreational soccer and dodgeball and am a keen Steelers fan.

Fran Low: Assistant Coach

Having spent the last four years as an undergraduate and a postgraduate at Exeter University (2006-2010) gaining a BSc and an MSc in Sport and Health Science. Wanting to use my academic knowledge and use it practically, I have now decided to pursue the very competitive career in performance sports, following my internship at Excelsior. Aside from my studies I still play and coach competitive hockey, am keen on Snowsports especially snowboarding and enjoy watching the X factor!

Matt Brookland: Assistant Coach

My name is Matt Brookland, I am originally from Jersey and I’m twenty-one years of age.  I am currently completing my Masters in Sports Science at the University of Exeter. I played many sports while growing up but have concentrated on football at University where I have played for the first team in the BUCS Southern Premier League as well as having held the position of President during the last academic year. I hope to represent the University at Futsal this year as well. I like to read sporting biographies in my spare time.

Matt Durber: Intern

In 2009 I graduated from the University of Bath with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science. During my time in Bath I also gained professional experience working as a performance analyst with the England Rugby Union squad. Since leaving University I have been working in the fitness industry as a Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer, and have also worked with local Rugby and Gymnastics clubs coaching strength and conditioning. I enjoy playing Rugby in my free time and have represented Gloucester in the Premier ‘A’ Division.

Gemma Robertson: Intern 

My background is in Acrobatic Gymnastics, training and competing for 10 years and now coaching for the past 3 years. I run the ‘Club Acro’ group at Honiton Gymnastic Club. I studied at Exeter College doing a BTEC National Diploma in Sports Development and Fitness. I recently completed my Level 3 in Personal Training and Nutrition and currently train clients and run an 8 week nutrition course for the members at the Met Office gym. I also teach exercise classes during the week too. I have always been into sports from a young age (dance, gymnastics and netball being the main sports). My personal aim is to specialise in sport specific training and coaching for athletes and sports teams/clubs.

 Oliver Deasy: Intern

Having recently graduated from the University of Exeter  with a 2:1 Degree in BSc Exercise and Sports Science,  I have decided (aka finding it hard to let go of the University life!) to pursue a MSc in International Management starting this year at Exeter.  As for my past life, I studied at Taunton School where I became an enthusiastic hockey player.  This passion and hard work with James (a long time ago!) lead me to having the privilege of captaining my Country at U16 and U18 levels and then progressing on to play both U21 and England A level.   As for my sport now I am currently a scholar at Exeter and captain the University of Exeter 1^st XI who compete at the highest tier of club hockey ‘the premier league’.  As an Intern I am relishing the opportunity to work with ‘Excelsior’ and learn how a small business operates.