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 Elise Shupe 

University - 

McMaster University

 

Sport -

Swimming

 

Year of Eligibility -

3rd Year

 

Hometown - 

Hamilton, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Kinesiology  

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

My mom was a competitive swimmer and swim coach for her entire life. So she enrolled me in swimming at a young age and I’ve done it ever since. 

 

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

I like that you can push yourself to be better every day. It’s a race against you and the clock so progress is very measurable. When you finally beat that time, you feel such a sense of accomplishment and you can always keep striving to be better. 

 

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 remember the very first time that I qualified for a major championship meet. It was so exhilarating. I knew that I wanted to feel that emotion again for as long as possible. It's what led me to varsity swimming.

 

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

My fondest memories have mostly to do with the team atmosphere that swimming for McMaster University creates at meets. We have a huge cheering section and you can feel the energy on deck. It motivates you to swim fast and not just for yourself but for the whole team. 

 

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 mom inspires me every day to keep pushing myself in sport. She was a varsity swimmer herself and was one of the assistant coaches at MacMaster University for many years. In some ways, I feel like I’m following in her foot steps. 

 

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

What excites me the most about being an OUA varsity student-athlete is having the opportunity to improve myself while surrounded by amazing teammates.

 

 

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

I think one more unique aspect about swimming that others might not know is that it’s just as much a team sport as an individual sport at the university level. In the OUA, all swim teams compete against each other and your individual events add up to get a final score.  

 

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

For that person who's looking to start swimming, I would tell them to definitely enjoy it. Swimming is such a unique sport.  It allows you to feel like you are flying through the water while at the same time it’s a very relaxing experience. When you get in the water all the other emotions go away. 

 

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.)?

One critical thing I do to continue to experience improvement is to listen to my body. I completely commit to whatever I do and put my all into the pool. But, when my body tells me it needs a day off or a recovery day, I listen to it.  

 

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

I would make sure that my 10-year-old self knows about the joy that my sport gives me. I think the key to staying in sport is to find joy in what you are doing. If your sport no longer brings you joy, try something else. There is so much out there to experience in the world of sport.  

 

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

For me, I live my life by my planner. If it’s not in the planner it’s not happening. It helps me to remember important dates. And, it let’s me plan around practice times so that I can be sure to have enough time to get everything done.

 

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 Swimming 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.