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 Madison Goertz 

University - 

McMaster University

 

Sport -

Soccer

 

Year of Eligibility -

4th Year

 

Hometown - 

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

 

Program of Study - 

MSc Mathematics 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I was 4 years old when my parents signed me up for soccer. 

 

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

I love the drive that comes along with soccer and the persistent growth and opportunity to get better that's possible each and everyday I step on to the field. I am also a very competitive person and I will always strive to be great at what ever I do. And, it's why I want to be pushed at this high level to grow and improve as a person and player by overcoming the challenges that soccer brings.  

 

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 certainly think that having the opportunity to play in the Canada Games definitely impacted my outlook on competing at a high level. The Canada Games allowed me to play 90 minutes with each game I played in as part of the Saskatchewan soccer team. I was also honoured to be chosen captain of Team Saskatchewan.   

 

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

I think my fondest memory or experience so far happened when I scored my first ever goal on a university team. It happened on my first start in my first year as a player and in our first game of the season against a top ranked team.  f 

 

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 say my old coach, Terrol, inspired me to play at the university level of my sport. I am extremely grateful for how Coach Terrol helped me improve as I matured as a player. 

 

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

I am excited to play the best teams and continue to aid in the success of my team individually. 

 

 

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

Soccer is a great way to develop skills with your feet and build incredible relationships with teammates. The field is huge so you need to be able to trust those around you to do their job well.   

 

If someone else was looking to start playing your sport, what one piece of advice would you give them to get them started?

If you are thinking of starting to play soccer, it's important to know that you are going to make mistakes. But it's also vital to have the mindset that mistakes are your chance to learn. This mindset will be very helpful when you just start so as to not be afraid to make mistakes.

 

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 area I like to spend time time on is to do a lot of technical work in order to stay on my game - for example Juggling, volleys, etc.). I also like to spend time on improving my shooting so as to better my chances of scoring.

 

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 play your own game. It's a great way to be creative and show people who you are throughout the game. I would also tell her to know that you have the freedom to make choices and appreciating your creative side will certainly build your character as a player.  

 

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

For me, I've found that having a calendar really helps me to stay on top of my school work as much as possible. 

 

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 Soccer 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.