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 Erin Anderson 

University - 

McMaster University

 

Sport -

Swimming

 

Year of Eligibility -

4th Year

 

Hometown - 

Hamilton, Ontario

 

Program of Study - 

Honours Kinesiology   

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I was inspired while watching my older brothers during practices and decided to do lessons. I then fell in love with the social, the competitions, training, and the sport. 

 

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

What interested me most and inspired me to pursue swimming at a high level is believing that I have more to give to the sport and wanting to see what goals I can accomplish.   

 

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?

One specific moment/experience that made me think I could compete at a high level happened when I made the provincial level championship at the age of ten. My coach was surprised I made the time standard and I was definitely an underdog at the meet. But it was a great experience to grow and create new goals to achieve higher standards.  

 

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

I think my fondest memory/experience happened in my first year at the OUA Championship and I was able to make a USports time. This meet was an amazing experience and was so ecstatic with all the energy, awesome swims, and the constant cheering from our team. It was unmatched to any I had experienced before. I definitely live for those experiences when we are training.  

 

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?

My mom inspires me the most. It started when I made provincials for the first time. I was super nervous, so my mom sat me down and told me she was proud of me. Every time I dove into the pool, she would be proud of my accomplishments no matter how big or small. So I take that with me to every practice and every race knowing that somewhere my mom is cheering me on. 

 

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

I am excited to be swimming not just for myself, but for my team and contributing to our victories.    

 

 

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

Even though you compete individually, swimming is a team sport. The comradery during tough sets, earning points for the team at meets and swimming for something greater than yourself are all reasons as to why we consider ourselves a team rather than individual athletes.   

 

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 a new swmmer to not be afraid to fail. Failure is the only way to grow and learn from experiences. Swimming can be difficult to start. But when you allow yourself to learn from the mistakes, stick with it and know that it is okay to mess up, it will help you succeed in the long run. 

 

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 like to make specific goals at the beginning of each season to improve my stroke technique. This way I am more focused during training and I can work on the small things to make my strokes more efficient.   

 

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

I would say to my 10-year-old self to focus on your own success and don’t compare yourself to your teammates. The biggest competitor is yourself. And ask yourself how can you be better today than you were yesterday. I often found myself comparing my performances to others and it negatively impacted my motivation. Be sure to work towards your own goals, celebrate your successes and learn from your mistakes.  

 

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

I like to make schedules that include my practice schedule, class times, work, and studying. In mapping out each month, I am able to visually see my schedule and plan ahead for training and meets. This also helps me to stay on top of my assignments while attending all the practices. 

 

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 Swimming 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.