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 Avery Duguay

University - 

Nipissing University

 

Sport -

Soccer 

 

Year of Eligibility -

4th Year

 

Hometown - 

Thunder Bay, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Nursing 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I was 5-years-old when I first started playing soccer. I first got involved in my sport through my parents. At a young age, they signed me up for soccer to stay active and meet new people. Over time, my relationship with soccer went from being a fun extracurricular activity into a sport I was very passionate about. As I got older, my soccer environment became more competitive and my focus shifted to prioritize this sport in my life. 

 

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

What most interests me about playing soccer is the physical and mental health benefits to playing a team sport. Pursuing sport at a high level is an evolving journey, and, I've found myself loving the process of getting better and better. The reward to achieving small milestones is gratifying and enables me to continue to find motivation to get better, to play harder, and to pursue sport at a higher level.   

 

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 specific moment that led me to believe I could compete in my sport at a high level was when I travelled to play soccer with other clubs. I grew up in Northwestern Ontario (Thunder Bay) where there are very limited opportunities for young female soccer players. The isolation and lack of soccer culture in Thunder Bay made it very difficult for me to keep pushing myself to become the athlete I wanted to be. But, by having the opportunity to travel and to play with different teams and clubs allowed me to have new experiences and grow as a player.   

 

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

My fondest memory of being involved in my sport is my dad watching me play my first OUA game. Like me, he too grew up playing soccer and even played for Acadia University as a varsity player. He was proud to watch me play my first university game and, at that moment, I was very proud to be his daughter. His unconditional support and love made my successes possible. I will never forget the hug we shared after that first game. Thanks Dad!   

 

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 biggest inspirations are all the players in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). This league is very important for the development of female athletes in North America and in fostering a strong soccer culture among young female players. Historically, female soccer idols and icons haven't been well promoted or featured. Now, more than ever, a change is happening in soccer culture and around women in sport. I see all these players as inspirations for the next generation of female soccer players as they continue to inspire young women around the world.   

 

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

The most exciting part is the growth I experience. Not just in my own skills, but in those of my teammates as well. You are only as successful as the people around you and I'm most excited to see my fellow teammates succeed. I admire all of my teammates on and off the field and my motivation to be the best I can be stems from seeing them succeed and reach their goals.  

 

 

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

Some of the more unique aspects of playing soccer is the amount of hair ties you will go through. Seriously. It seems I can never find a hair tie. My fellow female athletes with long hair can relate. You could buy 100 of them, and the next day they would be gone. They break, you lose them on the field, a teammate always needs one, etc. Invest in a lot of hair ties. They are a hot commodity.     

 

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

If someone were looking to start playing soccer, I would encourage them to join with a friend. Get involved with people of your community and come together. Sport is meant to be fun and soccer has a very large social component that people may not know about. A team environment should be supportive, uplifting, respectful and enjoyable. Spending time in a team environment with people of similar passion, interest and goals is a powerful thing. I encourage everyone to join a team.

 

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.)?

An important aspect of my road to improving is self reflection. In my experience, it's easy to get carried away in the chaos of the soccer season and to find yourself thinking forward (or tunnel vision). It's really important as an athlete to continually be checking in on yourself. Mental health and burnout are arguably some of the biggest struggles athletes face in sport. Sport is just as much mental as it is physical.

It's important to take care of your mind off the field too. Finding time for reflection, (which is essentially a mindfulness practice), to be the most effect way to slow down and address small barriers I'm facing on a daily basis. This usually involves asking myself questions like "Why do I feel this way today?"; "How did I feel during practice?"; "What circumstances triggered these feelings?"; and "Am I feeling burnt out right now?". 

 

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 having fun. For me, sport is about expression. Soccer has always been a part of my identity and is a channel through which I can express who I am by how I play. I would tell my younger self to have fun, doing what you love, and be confident in who you are.      

 

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

The hardest lesson I had to learn growing up in sport was how to advocate for myself. A strategy that works well for me is self-advocacy. Nobody truly knows how you're doing except for you. So it's important to learn how to advocate for your needs as a student-athlete. I have often struggled to speak up for myself; to let others know how I'm feeling; and to share what I need to be successful. It's a tough skill but an important skill to learn as an athlete.   

 

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.