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 Hannah Goodjohn 

University - 

McMaster University

 

Sport -

Cross Country Running

 

Year of Eligibility -

3rd Year

 

Hometown - 

Mount Albert, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Life Sciences  

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I (like a lot of kids) ran cross country in elementary school to try something new. My teacher had asked me to run a year early so we would have a full girls team at our area meet. I ended up doing really well and decided to look for a running team to join. Later, I chose to step away and do running full time in high school, and haven’t looked back since.

 

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

I think what I most love is the sense of accomplishment you feel after a good race. It can be a challenging experience when you’re racing. But, when you’re done the race, it’s all worth it.  

 

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?

Yes. I think it happened while I was in high school and finishing up my grade 12 year. Once I started gaining athleic recruitment interest from universities I was considering attending, it reinforced to me that I was good enough to run at the university level.   

 

 

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

My fondest memory happened last fall when our team finished third at the OUA’s Cross Country Championships. It was such a great feeling and really reminded me how great it is to be part of such a wonderful 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?

Paula Schnurr inspires me to pursue running at a high level. She is the coach for our team and is impressive in all senses of the word. Paula is one of the greatest running coaches in the country and one of the few females too. Paula is also an Olympian who has represented Canada on a global scale. She has done such amazing things for Canadian women. I would be lucky to be anything like her.  

 

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

I think what excites me the most is anticipating the opportunity to represent McMaster University over the coming few years on the provincial and national cross country stage. It has me VERY excited. 

 

 

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

There are shoes for easy runs, longer races, shorter races, track races, and cross country races. We have so many shoes. So many.   

 

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

I would tell that person that consistency is the key to improving. It will help you make massive strides in this sport (no pun intended).

 

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 critcal thing I do as part of my training is to follow a specific mileage and workout plan made by my coaches here at MacMaster. Having trust in my coaches is something I do every day.  

 

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

I would tell my 10-year-old self to keep running. I would also tell her that running will be your favourite thing EVER. Even if it seems more boring than soccer right now.   

 

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

I find using a planner helps a lot. It's also super helpful to always plan ahead.

 

 

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.  

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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.