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 Sullie Sundara 

University - 

McMaster University

 

Sport -

Volleyball

 

Year of Eligibility -

2nd Year

 

Hometown - 

Ottawa, Ontario

 

Program of Study - 

Social Psychology  

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I first started playing volleyball for my elementary school team in grade 5. I had grown up watching my mother play in recreational adult leagues which initially introduced me to the sport.

 

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

My favourite part of the game is the meticulous attention to detail. Both in the tactical and technical aspects of the game.  

 

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?

The first experience that made me realize my capabilities within the sport happened when I made Team Ontario Black and competed in my first international tournament. This particular experience was the highest level of volleyball at that moment of my life and enabled me to successfully compete against some of the best athletes in my age group. It also gave me the confidence in myself and in my ability to play volleyball and helped me to realize that I could definitely take my game to the next level which was post-secondary volleyball.  

 

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

My fondest experience in volleyball has been my time spent with the U21 Junior National team competing in Mexico at the PanAmerican Cup. This was my first experience being able to represent Canada on the international stage. It taught me a lot about the sport and, most importantly, about myself as an athlete. The memories and life lessons I learned during my time with Team Canada will forever change my outlook on myself and also the game. 

 

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 coaches, Tim and Nate, along with every other member supporting the McMaster Women's Volleyball team, have helped me tremendously in my first season as a Marauder. Having experienced what some would consider a rocky first season due to injuries and other factors, they've been by my side offering their unconditional support when times got tough and my immediate support systems were not with me. 

 

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

I am most excited about continuing to compete with my team and expand my technical and tactical skills of the game alongside amazing programs and athletes.

 

 

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

I would say that the significance of the mental aspect of the game is a unique aspect of the game. Over many years, technique and skills become second nature. The most difficult part of the game is sustaining the habits you've built over time when there are increased external and internal pressures. Volleyball is a game of mistakes, it's easy to fall into a self-destructing mindset. The goal is to not let mistakes cost you a point - especially in a difficult 25-point set. 

 

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 that person that their initial experience with volleyball will be ugly and full of mistakes before things being to fall into place in terms of the outcomes aligning with the amount of effort and dedication you are putting into the sport. Having a gold-fish memory is important in the game for sure. Always try not to dwell on the mistake just made and, instead, focus on how you will improve on the next point.

 

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.)?

As a student-athlete often running around campus from classes to practices and back to classes, I try to manage my time to the best of my capabilities. It means keeping track of my upcoming deadlines while scheduling times to take care of myself both mentally and physically. I also make sure to fuel my body appropriately and make time for self-care that includes reset and relax. I find all of this together helps me maintain my mental and physical health during stressful times.  

 

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 not. fixate on being perfect. You'll never be perfect and there will always be something to improve. It's critical to understand that being hard on yourself for normal mistakes is not productive. Enjoy the moment and remember all the positive things you've gained from the sport.  

 

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

One strategy I would recommend is to schedule time for yourself. Whether it's time for relaxation or to do other activities that you enjoy. It's critical to create a sense of balance within your life between school, sport, and yourself.

 

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 Volleyball 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.