Alisha Vyas

I’ve been playing chess since I was six, and from representing England in Latvia to championing women’s chess on national radio, it’s become about much more than just what happens on the board. Now, I'd love to bring that experience to Imperial!

For the last few years, I've played for She Plays to Win (SPTW), a project dedicated to getting more girls involved in chess. I’ve worked alongside its founder to promote women’s chess at both professional events and chess workshops. I also set up a girls’ chess team at school and we came just one point short of qualifying for the national finals...

I love that chess teaches you problem-solving, analytical thinking and resilience - pretty useful skills at a STEM university! Through SPTW, I’ve also seen how important it is to make more girls feel welcome in chess.

As captain, I’d love to organise casual sessions for girls and hopefully get a women’s team together for inter-university tournaments. I’d also love to explore collaborations with the wider women’s chess community, including opportunities to host tournaments at Imperial.

The aim is to make chess more accessible, social and less intimidating, whether you’re a competitive player or just want to give it a go casually.

My biggest chess flexes? Meeting Magnus Carlsen at the Speed Chess Championship and appearing in a GothamChess video. I promise these aren’t my only qualifications.

If you want a captain who cares about the game and wants to get more girls involved, I’d love your vote!