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 Torrance Paulitzki 

University - 

Wilfrid Laurier University

 

Sport -

Rugby

 

Year of Eligibility -

2nd Year

 

Hometown - 

Cambridge, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Criminology 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

 I first got involved in rugby in the nineth grade. Some friends who played before I came to the school had told me I needed to come try Rugby. 

 

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

I think what interests me the most about rugby is the intensity and the adrenaline rush every game I play gives me.   

 

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

I think the my most fondest memory would be when I played in a tournament in the eleventh grade. The tournament took place after a couple days of complete downpour and the field was similar to a swamp. To this day, it was the most fun i’ve ever had playing rugby. 

 

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?

The person who inspired me to continue playing rugby at the OUA level was my high school coach who persuaded me to tryout for university level rugby. 

 

 

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

One unique feature of playing rugby is that there is no padding. The only protective equipment we wear is a mouth guard. 

 

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 to play rugby, I will tell them to not feel intimidated to start late. While it may seem like an over complicated sport, it really isn't.

 

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, one critical thing I always work to improvie is my cardio 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 not feel like you have to choose just one sport to play forever. Follow your heart and do what you love. 

 

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

One of the things I do is make a to-do list at the beginning of each week.  I also set out the main tasks I need to get down for that week. Then, I take some to set some bonus tasks if I'm able to find some extra free time throughout my week.

 

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.