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 Sarah Nolan 

University - 

McMaster University

 

Sport -

Cross Country Running

 

Year of Eligibility -

4th Year

 

Hometown - 

Toronto, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Mathematics and Statistics   

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I loved running cross country and track throughout elementary school. In grade 8, my friend and I reached out to a local track club to join their group. Throughout high school, I trained more and more and eventually had the opportunity to run varsity cross country. 

 

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

I love running. I love nature. And I love the time spent alone thinking or the time spend laughing with friends. I love the sound of a group of feet hitting the sidewalk in sync. I love that it’s so simple and yet so amazing and inspiring to watch. That anyone can do it. It's just pure consistency that leads you to the top.   

 

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?

My high school club coach helped motivate me to consider running after university and to reach out to different universities to speak with their coaches. It was something I have always dreamed of doing. For me, there's nothing that could stand in my way to continue to compete at the highest level.  

 

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

I think my fondest memory happened when our team placed third at last year's OUA Cross Country Championships. When I started at McMaster University in first year, we were a very young team. But, as a team, we always joked about how eventually we would all be old enough and experienced enought to win the USports National Cross Country Championships.

Then last summer, we started to become a good team. We had lots of fit runners across all eligibility years. And, we knew that if we all showed up on competition day, that third place as a team was possible. The motivation of thinking of these moments as I ran all summer was extremely inspirational.   

 

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 think there are lots of people who motivate me. I don't think I can point to just one individual. I want to succeed for Paula (our coach) and for my teammates. I'm inspired to do well for the future and legacy of cross country at McMaster University and to everyone who have helped me get to the point of where I am in my sports journey as a runner. 

 

 

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 ability to become as good as I possibly can be at cross country. 

 

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 anyone wanting to start cross country that you can’t win a race over night. Winning a race is all about consistent work over a long period of time. It's also about listening to your body. You can only run and race “fast” if your healthy and able to compete to the best of your ability. 

 

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.)?

I know and recognize that running is hard on my body because of its repetitive nature. Consequently, it's critical to stretch and foam roll and do all the little things to help your body recover. As well, it's important to spend time to work on improving your strength. It will help to become more resistant to the strain running can cause over time.  

 

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

I think my 10-year-old self would be so excited to see all I have achieved and overcome. I think she would be excited to know that she will have a bright future in sport.   

 

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

For me, I find when I am successful in one area,  it makes it easier to be successful in other areas. of being a student-athlete. I also find it's importan to plan my days to ensure I am allocating time for both athletics and academics. The sense of drive I have for running helps me to find success in the classroom too. 

 

 

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 Running 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.