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 Maia Mureseanu 

University - 

McMaster University

 

Sport -

Tennis

 

Year of Eligibility -

2nd Year

 

Hometown - 

Oakville, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Biology Research  

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I got involved in tennis when my sister had asked my parents one day if she could join tennis. At the time I was only 7 years old and basically copied everything she did so I wanted to start as well. My dad also played when he was younger, but never at a high performance level.

 

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

The love for the competition was huge for me in playing tennis. I loved participating in tournaments growing up and meeting so many new people. Also, my interest in the game deepened when I found out that I could have the opportunity to study in the United States and possibly play tennis there. 

 

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?

When I was 13 years-old, I tried out at a high-perfomance summer camp in South Carolina. The academy was designed for student-athletes looking to play college tennis and, at the time, I was not super familiar with US college recruiting. However, after that summer, I realized it could be a real moment for me to pursue something special.  

 

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

Getting the chance to live in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina was very cool and an important tennis memory/experience for me. I met so many amazing friends that I still keep in touch with and I got to experience a whole different side to being a student-athlete. It was an international academy so I met people from so many different cultures. I also got to experience a lot of traveling for tournaments. Overall, I'm grateful for the experience. 

 

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 played tennis when he was younger but he did not have the best facilities back home in Romania. It also meant he never was able to compete at a high level. He simply played for fun. However, when I started to play competitively, I could see him relive his love for tennis through me and give me opportunities he never experienced. 

 

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

This past year, our team placed 3rd at OUAs, for the first time in 21 years. It felt so amazing to have accomplished this. Especially as we all supported each other so much. Our coach was not able to make it to OUAs so we all leaned on each other for motivation and advice.

It was also my co-captain's final OUA and to see her get to accomplish this with us felt so special. Our team has developed very close bonds this year and I'm so excited for what the future brings.

 

 

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

I think one unique aspect is the fact that tennis is an extremely mental game. Some would argue that tennis is 60% mental and 40% physical. When you're on the court, you're usually alone and you're not even allowed coaching (at junior levels). You have to keep yourself going through the entire match and come up with technical plays in split seconds. While it is very demanding physically as you're constantly moving in quick motions, I do believe it's even more demanding mentally.  

 

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 who's looking to start playing tennis to learn to love the game. Make sure that you can still enjoy the competitive side and that the sport doesn't consume you. I struggled in high school at times with feeling very overwhelmed with tournaments and I would put a lot of pressure on myself. It came to the point where it wasn't enjoyable anymore.  I was constantly anxious when competing.

You have to remember to always have fun in your sport and not to sacrifice your mental health for it. Luckily, now I have regained my excitement for the sport and for the competition.

 

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 that I work to improve is my ability to stay disciplined. Throughout the season, you realize how important discipline is. And especially how if you step out of your routine, it can really affect your game. To continue to show up to practice, keep up with school, go to the gym, and eat well is what keeps you going. It can be very hard to stick to this. But having organized times where you and your team workout together to motivate each other is super helpful.  

 

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 I know you are just starting to learn about competitive tennis and play in tournaments, and that it will seem very scary at first. But it will be important to just keep pushing through because it will end up being one of your favourite things that will follow you for so many more years.  

 

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

I would recommend anyone to genuinely become friends with all your teammates and your coach. To me, the environment when playing sport means everything. If you are trying to compete with your teammates and only see your coach as a superior and nothing else, it creates a negative and stressful environment. I'm so thankful to have such a supportive coach and the kindest teammates who all support and uplift each other. This is why I feel so comfortable in my sport. It also helps as I balance tennis with school. I never feel like it's a "chore" to me but rather something to look forward to.

 

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