See How She Got Started in the OUA

Anchored in the efforts to spotlight Ontario University Athletics (OUA) student-athletes, the initiative See How She Got Started showcases and tells the story of how some of the conference’s talented student-athletes first got involved in sport and have made their way to the varsity stage on which they currently shine.  It is also hoped that their stories can inspire young athletes to aspire to compete in varsity-level sports.

 

 

Meet OUA Student-Athlete Francheska Onasanya

University - 

Algoma University

 

Sport -

Soccer

 

Year of Eligibility -

1st Year

 

Hometown - 

Kemptville, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Law and Justice 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

My parents were very passionate about soccer and operated a soccer academy when I was young. 

 

What most interested you about your sport that made you want to pursue it at a high level?

I fell in love with the game of soccer and the voice it gave me while being on the field.  

 

Was there a specific moment/experience that led you to believe you could compete in your sport at a high level, and if so, what was it?

I would say yes. I have always looked up to Canada's National Team. Once I became old enough to coach younger girls play soccer, it was a special moment when the girls I coached looked up to me the way I looked up to Canada's National Team players.  This was definitely a life long goal of mine.  

 

What is your fondest memory/experience of being involved in your sport thus far?

I think my fondest experiences would be having the opportunity to sign with Algoma University and to have the chance to be around all my new teammates.  

 

Is there someone who inspires you to continue to pursue your sport at this high level (i.e., coach, professional athlete, family member, etc.) and what makes them an inspiration to you?

My dad has always been my hero. He worked his way from the bottom to the top. His passion for soccer and his pure kindness inspires me to do better in my sport and as a person everyday.  

 

What excites you most about continuing your athletic journey at the varsity level within the OUA?

I love the competition and the life long lessons I will learn as part of playing in the OUA. 

 

 

What is/are some of the more unique aspect(s) of your sport that others may not know about? 

Penalty kicks are terrifying.    

 

If someone else was looking to start playing your sport, what one piece of advice would you give them to get them started?

If someone I knew was looking to start playing soccer, I would tell them to never forget the reason why you started to play in the first place.

 

What is one critical thing that you do to try to continue to experience improvement within your sport (i.e., specific drill/exercise, training regimen, routine, etc.)?

Right now I'm working on my strength and conditioning to improve my game and I do this primarily through weightlifting and doing Crossfit.

 

What would you say to your 10-year-old self about playing and staying in sport?

I would tell my 10-year-old self that it’s going to be so hard but never forget your why. I would also tell her that you always pull through for self and you’ll realize that despite everything, soccer is the constant of your life. Take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves.  

 

Is there one strategy that you find works well for you in creating a positive student/athlete balance in your life?

I think it's important to join other clubs on campus.  

 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

Head to the SWSCD Athlete Advisor, your online athletic business directory. Find, rate and review programs, local community offerings and businesses that will help you do your thing.  

Start a group around a physical activity in your neighbourhood. Explore events. Check out our SWSCD Hub.

Look for advice, stories, news and more on our Soccer activity page.  

Have a sport, recreation or physical activity accomplishment you'd like to celebrate and shout out through SWSCD?  Become a SWSCD member and share your story directly on SeeWhatSheCanDo. Or, simply add the hashtag #seewhatshecando to your public social media posts and SWSCD can help you inspire others around you.