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 Jessica MacKinnon 

University - 

McMaster University

 

Sport -

rugby

 

Year of Eligibility -

1st Year

 

Hometown - 

Antigonish, Nova Scotia 

 

Program of Study - 

Life Science  

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I got involved in rugby in grade 11 when a friend wanted to tryout for the team and asked me to come with her so she would know someone else there. 

 

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

After playing my first season, I realized that rugby is a sport that accommodates everyone. To be part of a team and a sport that lets each individual flourish within their own unique abilities and skills, it really made me want to play for as long as I could.

 

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 think the specific moment for me would be when I was named captain of my high school team in my first season playing rugby. It made me realize that this is a sport I could actually go far in.

 

 

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

The most fondest memories in rugby for me are the beer ups after games. It is a unique aspect of rugby that I adore.   

 

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 am the first rugby player in my family and one of the first from my town to play at a high level. So there’s isn’t a specific person that I've had the opportunity to look up to.

 

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

I’m excited to see my school program grow over the next few years under our new head coach.

 

 

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

Again, as I mentioned earlier, beer ups after games are a very unique part of rugby. 

 

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 is looking to play rugby, I will tell them to remember that rugby is a game of evasion as opposed to a contact game.

 

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.)?

Two critical things I work on is to make sure to fuel my body properly and to understand better how to withstand the pressure of the game itself.   

 

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 you will face many setbacks. But, in the end, these setbacks make you so much stronger then you could ever have imagined.   

 

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

One important strategy I prioritize is to allow myself to take time to rest and relax even when my mind tells me I need to study. It helps me in maintaining a good attitude towards both my school work and athletics. 

 

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.