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 Osa Olaye 

University - 

McMaster University

 

Sport -

Rugby

 

Year of Eligibility -

1st Year

 

Hometown - 

Mississauga 

 

Program of Study - 

Social Psychology 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

In grade 9, my geography teacher was my rugby coach at my high school. Initially, I was nervous to play rugby so I didn't actually start playing until the spring semester in grade 11. I initially played basketball. So it helped when some of my teammates who I had been playing with told me how much fun rugby was to play.

 

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

For me, the possibility of learning and progressing made me want to pursue rugby at a higher level. Having my grade 12 season cancelled because of the COVID- 19 pandemic, I knew there was no way that I could be satisfied with the limited amount of rugby I had played in high school.  

 

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?

The summer before my second year at McMaster, I ran into two of the girls who were currently on the school rugby team. I told them about my experience and asked them to be honest with me. Their honesty about the program made me feel like I could become good enough to compete at the OUA level and know that I would have teammates that would uplift me.

 

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

I think what excites me the most is how playing in the OUA provides the space to grow and for connections to be made. I have met so many people in my life from being an athlete. And now at the OUA level, being surrounded by high-level athletes of all different sports is humbling.

 

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

Rugby is one of the most inclusive sports that one can play. There is space for everybody in rugby and a sense of respect for your teammates and opponents. 

 

 

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

If you were someone that wante to start playing rugby, I would tell you to not stress. Instead, be excited. And ask questions. No one is going to judge you for asking them and wanting to know more. Trust your coaches and trust your teammates. They really do want the best for you. 

 

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.)?

For me, I hit the weight room hard. Because rugby is such a physical sport, I want to feel like I can hold my own against any opponent I face. An important part of holding my own is being physically strong enough to take a hit and dish one out. 

 

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 sports serve you. You don't serve sports. Make sure you're having fun and put your all into any sport you try. Don't limit yourself to just one sport but allow yourself to explore and expand. 

 

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

I do think it's important to have a strong support system of athletes and non-athletes alike. Athletes understand the pressure you're under as a student-athlete. And my non-athlete friends ground me and remind me that there is life outside of sports and that I should not let those aspects slip by me. 

 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

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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.