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 Madison Laberge

University - 

Nipissing University

 

Sport -

Ice Hockey

 

Year of Eligibility -

3rd Year

 

Hometown - 

Val Therese, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Bachelor of Physical and Health Education Concurrent Education

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

My older brother played when I was young and my parents also grew up playing ringette and hockey. My mom and dad couldn’t keep me off the ice as I wanted to play like my brother.

 

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

I enjoy the competitive aspect of the sport. I have also enjoyed more opportunities to pursue hockey at a higher level as compared to soccer which which was also a sport I played competitively growing up.   

 

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?

In Grade 10, I moved to Whitby, Ontario to play junior hockey. To have the opportunity to play at that level of play not only opened many doors for my hockey career, but it also helped to realize my potential as a hockey player.  

 

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

I think my fondest memory is hosting and competing in the 2019 Esso Cup Nationals in my hometown. 

 

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 parents inspire me to pursue what makes me happy. They have been my biggest supporters and cheerleaders throughout my life in anything I do. 

 

 

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

I’m excited to see what our team and program can do. I’m excited to build this program and hopefully make Nationals again.    

 

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 say if a sport makes you happy, pursue it and commit everything you can to play it. 

 

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.)?

I am my biggest critic and always looking at what I can do to better myself on the ice. During the summer, I shoot pucks and work on my stickhandling skills. I also follow our training program with the mindset of getting better versus just going through the motions. 

 

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 if the sport you're playing remains to be your happy place, then fully commit to it and don’t let anyone ruin your life for the sport.     

 

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

I find it important to ensure that I stay on top of things or even get ahead at times. I make a lot of lists for due dates so that I can focus on and prioritize what needs to be done in a given order.  

 

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 Ice Hockey 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.