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 Victoria Ivey-Town

University - 

Trent University

 

Sport -

Soccer

 

Year of Eligibility -

1st Year

 

Hometown - 

Peterborough, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Teachers Education Stream, Bachelor of Science 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I first started playing soccer when I was four years old.  My grandmother thought that it was a good way to keep me busy during the summer and it provided me with a way to get exercise as well as make new friends.  I have continued to play since then because it's something I love doing.

 

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

I love being active and staying in shape. I also love being on a team.  I am a very competitive person when it comes to my sport and soccer. So because soccer is a team sport, it gives me the opportunity to share my love for soccer and the game's competitive nature with others.  The chance to pursue playing soccer at a high level also provides me with lots more competition. 

 

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?

There was a very specific moment that led me to believe that I could compete at a high level.  I made the provincial team a couple years ago after going to just two of the eight tryouts.  I was onlyable to make a few of the tryouts as I was told they wanted me to come out very late in the process.  Needless to say, I didn't think that I would beat out the people who had showed up to all of the tryouts.  When I did, I knew at that moment I was capable of competing at a higher level. 

 

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

My best experience happened when my club team won the Ontario Cup and  then went on to compete at Nationals in Edmonton, Alberta.  It was a major event for all of us since we were interacting with teams from other provinces.  During our last game, the playing conditions were challenging and it was snowing pretty hard.  The game went to shoot outs and I was the goalie. I ended up making the winning save and scoring the winning goal. It was truly an incredible 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?

It's my brother who inspires me to play.  He has autism and has the opportunity to play Special Olympics soccer.  It's definitely something we can do together.

 

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

I think what excites me the most is the opportunity to grow my soccer skills that playing at the varsity level allows for. 

 

 

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

As a soccer goalie, my footwork actually needs to be better than everyone else on the field.  This is because, if I get a ball back, I am the last player between that ball and the back of the net.   

 

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 was looking to start soccer, I will them to allow yourself time to build on your skill.  It's something you need to constantly work and practice if you're looking to improve. 

 

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, I make sure that I practice at least one aspect of skill or fitness six days a week to ensure there is continuous growth in my game.

 

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

I will definitely tell my 10-year-old self to go on more runs.    

 

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

I would certainly recommend that you keep a schedule and stay on top of everything.  Be sure to not procrastinate training or school work.  Both are important to stay on top of everything as a student-athlete.

 

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 Soccer 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.