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 Faith Holmes

University - 

Algoma University

 

Sport -

Soccer

 

Year of Eligibility -

3rd Year

 

Hometown - 

Pickering, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Psychology 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I got involved as a young athlete just playing in the backyard with my dad and grandad. This sport has always been important and adored by my family. It’s like an innate intergenerational passion. My parents put me in it as soon as they could and I’ve loved it ever since.

 

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

The passion my dad displayed for the game was like no other. He lived and breathed soccer. I wanted that same desire I saw in my dad, and I found it playing soccer. The competitive spirit is thrilling and the friendships you form are long lasting. I wanted to pursue a higher level because this game means everything to me. I don’t know life without it. I wanted to excel in my level of competition and skill and I wasn’t ready to give up. I want to excel more than I ever have. 

 

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’ve been on a multitude of teams and apart of a multitude of clubs.  I’ve also been coached by a variety of coaches who applied lots of different ideologies. In my final years of league soccer before university, I stumbled upon a team near my home town. The way we worked on the field so collaboratively and the connections we had off the field were unmatched. I fell I love with the game all over again.

This team was on everyone’s list to beat and always the team to watch. Just knowing people look to you and your teammates in that way gives you a drive to push even harder. And, their recognition of the talent we had as a team collectively gave us a vision of what we could be. 

 

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

For me, my fondest memories are definitely the tournaments played and away trips taken. The level of competition was always different and the talent was unexpected. It was always new and exciting going into games like this. As well, the bonds and laughs I've created and shared with my teammates are irreplaceable.    

 

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?

As I’ve said many times, it’s has to be my dad that inspires me. He’s my best friend and I look up to him in all ways. He drives me to push myself as a person on and off the field. He supports me in everyone and continually inspires me to trust in God and carry myself humbly.  

 

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

I think what excites me about playing in the OUA is to have an opportunity to compete at such an high level of play. It also allows me to continue to grow my soccer skills. It definitely pushes me to train harder so I can put in a good fight when the times come.  

 

 

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

I think what’s unique about soccer is that you don’t need anything except a ball to kick and a goal to kick it to. It’s a simple game that brings people together like you wouldn’t imagine.    

 

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 playing soccer, I would tell them to not compare themselves to anyone else. We are all on a journey and we all have different strengths and weaknesses. Focus on what you have to work on and don’t give up. Never lose the childlike joy that made you intrigued to play in the first place. 

 

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, fuelling my body properly in accordance with my training is so important and something that can often be overlooked. Your body needs fuel to perform; especially at such a high level of sport. You are also constantly training and exerting energy so it's vital to make sure you’re eating well if you are going to successfully be your best when on the field.   

 

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

I would tell my 10-year-old self that she’s going be told a lot of negatives but she will need to use those negative comments as fuel to prove the naysayers wrong.    

 

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

I believe staying organized is a key to success. It includes making lists and being proactive about your school schedule and school assignments. For me personally, my faith and trust in God means that I ask him for constant guidance and strength to pursue all the challenges that I face as a student-athlete. Finally, I try to be grateful and count my blessings each and every day.  

 

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.

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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.