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 Sofia Kennedy

University - 

University of Windsor

 

Sport -

Basketball

 

Year of Eligibility -

3rd Year

 

Hometown - 

Christchurch, New Zealand 

 

Program of Study - 

Environmental Studies

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

A friend of mine played basketball and wanted to start a team at my school. Since most of my friends were doing it, I thought I would join in too. 

 

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

Once I started playing basketball, I found out that I was good at it. I loved improving my skills and getting better. I also loved winning! 

 

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 wasn't one specific moment that I can remember, but, having people who would encourage me and tell me about all the opportunities that were available through playing basketball made me believe I could compete at a high level. 

 

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

I think my fondest memory would be having the chance to compete internationally as well as the friendships I've formed with my teammates over the years. 

 

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?

I would have to say past teammates and Alumni players. They're inspiring because they know exactly what it takes to win. They've achieved a high level of success and have developed themselves through the sport. 

 

 

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

I think what excites me is getting the chance to keep developing myself and continue to grow together with my teammates. 

 

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 them to keep playing. There will be many times you will feel like giving up the sport. But just keep showing up. One practice/game or training at a time.

 

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.)?

One critical thing I do to continue to improve my game, and in particular my ball handling skills, is two ball dribbling drills. 

 

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

I would tell her to just play.  Don't worry about your coaches' or your teammates' opinions. Just go hard.   

 

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

Be sure to have friends outside of basketball, outside of your sport.  It's also important to have hobbies that allow you to disconnect from basketball and university when you feel the need to do so.

 

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 Basketball 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.