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 Simi Jayeoba 

University - 

McMaster University

 

Sport -

Wrestling

 

Year of Eligibility -

4th Year

 

Hometown - 

North York 

 

Program of Study - 

Engineering Physics  

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I first got involved in wrestling while I was in grade 10. My high school had a team and it seemed so engaging that I seriously wanted to give it a try. In grade 8, I had met a female wrestler and from then on, I knew I wanted to and could do it. 

 

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

What drew me to wrestling is the level of engagement it requires. Your whole body is involved and you also need to be mentally zoned in. The constant reward of improvement made me want to keep pursing it.  

 

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 don't think there was any specific moment or experience. I think by the time I reached University, I just knew I wasn't done. It took a long time for me to see myself as an athlete but I stuck to it and now there is no question that I am.  

 

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

I think my fondest memory or experience would be the journey to winning an OUA Gold. Not the specific day that it happened on but the journey itself. At the beginning of the season, I was so far from the goal of winning gold that seeing myself reach that type of athletic success was really special.  

 

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?

For me, my coach is a big encouragement. His belief that I had more to give really encouraged me to keep trying last year. And especially when I was unsure of how I would move forward. 

 

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

I think what excites me the most about continuing to be involved as an an athlete in the OUA is the support of my team.

 

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

Did you know that there are 3 types of wrestling: freestyle, folkstyle, and greco-roman. Freestyle is the most common international style.  

 

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 wanted to start wrestling, I would tell them that the sport is 90% mental strength. 

 

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 thing that I spend time focusing on to improve my experience with wrestling is to appreciated the value my mental health and how important it is in my success as a wrestler. 

 

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 are exactly what a wrestler should be.  

 

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 it's critical to be open with the people around me.  I believe it's important to be able to talk to others and ask for help when you feel you need it.

 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

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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.