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 Emma Wilson

University - 

Ontario Tech University

 

Sport -

Lacrosse

 

Year of Eligibility -

1st Year

 

Hometown - 

Pickering, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Criminology and Justice Studies

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I actually got involved in lacrosse last summer when it was suggested to me to try lacrosse and to reach out to the Ontario Tech University coaches. I started training over the summer twice a week. 

 

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

What interested me the most about playing lacrosse at a high level is that I found it to be a good way to exercise and I was able to learn new skills. 

 

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?

I think the moment/experience that made me believe I could compete at a high level in lacrosse happened about halfway through my summer training. I started to make actual saves in training and that made me feel I could perform at the highest level.  

 

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

My fondest memory is my first Ontario University Athletics win as a goalie.  

 

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?

For me, it's my family that inspires me. While none of them play lacrosse, all of my family members have been or currently are considered high level athletes. 

 

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

I love having the opportunity to be part of a team as close as mine and travel to different places.   

 

 

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

Lacrosse is very skill based sport. Some might just assume you carry your stick and cradle the ball but it is much more than that. And so much harder than people think.   

 

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 to start young if possible. (While you don’t have to start early, it does make it fun and you get to play for longer)  And don’t be afraid to try new positions.

 

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.)?

Given my position as goalie, it's important I spend dedicated time working on my footwork.  

 

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

While I never played my sport at 10 years of age,  I would tell her to keep playing sports in general at any level. Even if you feel like you're done with sports, find something with low commitment to keep you still involved.    

 

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

I focus on time management to help myself to create a positive student/athlete balance.

 

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 Lacrosse 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.