Heather Morning knows what it’s like to set your sights on a goal and work hard to achieve it. Heather was recently featured in a SWSCD article,  Advice about the varsity experience, where she shared her insights on what it takes to get to university level hockey. She's an all-around athlete and has been involved in sports her entire life. She is a wealth of information when it comes to leading a healthy and active lifestyle and she encourages those around her to constantly reach for that next level.

This is Heather’s story about how she used her athletic abilities, determination, and good old hard work – traits that she developed early on in her youth – to secure a spot on a varsity team for a sport she had never played before. It’s a story of empowerment that highlights how you can learn to do anything with determination, persistence and hard work.

A family that plays together

Heather gives credit to her parents for where she is today. Early on, they instilled the notion that repetition and practice are essential for success.  Heather’s father wanted to make a connection with his daughter. It was their mutual love of sports where they found that connection. They would spend Sundays together hitting balls or playing hockey, two sports they both loved. Heather’s mother, a ballplayer herself when younger, was a supportive sports parent. She paid registration fees, bought equipment, and drove Heather all over Ontario to her various practices, games, and tournaments. She was an ever-present support in the stands. Heather became very good at both hockey and softball and had great successes along the way – a Minor Ball Provincial Championship and competitive hockey in the Richmond Hill Girls Hockey Association. This time spent with her father, regularly practicing, and the support of her mother would serve her well and laid a good foundation for what was to come years down the road.

Making a varsity team without prior experience

Heather doesn’t believe in the concept of a “natural athlete”. She believes genetics can give a good foundation but that perfect practise and drive makes the athlete.

When she went to university, she was interested in playing a varsity sport. But back then – way back in the ‘80s – there was neither varsity women’s hockey nor softball at the University of Waterloo.

So she put plan B into action

 

 

Heather set her sights on the squash team – a new sport for her

She chose squash because she could practice on her own, all she needed was a racquet, a ball and a court (which she could book at the University) Determination, athletic ability and competitive drive were the qualities she needed to work her way to a spot on the varsity team. 

This was Heather’s plan of attack:

• She hit the library to find information on squash – remember this was pre-Internet, Google and blog posts. She read books to understand the science and strategies of squash.
• Then she rented out squash courts where she hit balls and more balls. Those Sundays with her Dad paved the way for this type of repetition and practice.
• She went to squash practices and keenly watched the drills, writing down everything she needed so she could run herself through the same drills on her own time.
• Then she started playing in a recreational ladder. The more playing time she could get the better to fine-tune her newly learned skills of the game.
• When she was ready, Heather reached out to the Varsity B team and began playing with them. She showed up to play in her tracksuit while the others were in their squash attire – skirts for the most part. It didn’t matter what gear she had – her strategy was to drill that ball hard every time and give them something to remember her by.

Plan B was a success

By the end of the school year, Heather started to defeat players on the B team.  Heather made sure she stayed at the top of her game in the off-season by playing in tournaments and practicing and conditioning on her own. At the start of the school year, she attended the University of Waterloo squash tryouts and she made the team. She played the season in the #2/3 position.

Anyone can play a competitive sport

Heather’s story is one of empowerment. She showed that you don’t need to come in on top with all the right equipment and years of experience. Don’t get me wrong – experience and hard work are important but don’t let that stop you from going for something because you don’t think you are qualified. You can work your way up with determination, drive, and hard work.

Heather’s Plan B of research, observation, practice and more practice and getting involved allowed her to accomplish her goal of playing a varsity sport.

SeeWhatSheCanDo

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