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 Amanda MacCarthy

University - 

Trent University

 

Sport -

Rugby

 

Year of Eligibility -

3rd Year

 

Hometown - 

Ottawa, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Sustainable Agriculture and International Development 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I got involved playing at the beginning of high school and never looked back.

 

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

The community aspect of rugby is what really drew me into the sport. I like that there's a place for everyone.

 

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 don't think there was one specific event per se, but I do think I was lucky enough to always have a good team of people surrounding me and encouraging me. 

 

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

My fondest memory would be winning the City Championships while in high school and in front of a home crowd.  

 

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?

Most certain it would be my high school coach who has been the key person who has inspired me to pursue playing rugby at an elite level.

 

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

What excites me the most about continuing to play rugby in the OUA is the opportunity to meet new people and pursue athletic achievements. 

 

 

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

Rugby has a place for everyone. This is certainly a unique feature of the sport.  Also, because rugby is a very physically aggressive game, it is one of only a few sports that is able to provide women a chance to play in a full contact environment.   

 

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 play rugby, I would tell them to come into the game with an open mind and be ready to learn a lot. 

 

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, there are actually a number of areas I prioritize and spend time on.  They include daily passing drills, practicing my tackles, and my off-season fitness that includes a specific focus on sprint training. 

 

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 just have fun and go along for the ride.   

 

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

The two strategies that have worked for me include taking advantage of team study sessions and making sure to schedule school work into my day just like I would for my training and practice schedules. 

 

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 Rugby 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.