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 Rylee Traicoff

University - 

Nipissing University

 

Sport -

Soccer

 

Year of Eligibility -

4th Year

 

Hometown - 

Whitby, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Psychology 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I started playing soccer at 4 years old. My parents knew this was something I was meant to do and kept me involved.  

 

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

Soccer always creates a high intensity and competitive environment I thrive in. Every time I step on the field I have the opportunity to compete. Playing at a high level comes with more than just playing for yourself, but for your teammates, fans, coaches, and the soccer association you represent.   

 

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?

When I was 17, I was invited to play at the Caribbean Challenge Cup Series on the Guyana Women's National Team. I was thrilled to be invited let alone did I think I would play. I was the youngest on the squad with most girls 5 to 10 years older than me. The first game I started right back and made my first international cap. I was scared initially, but then got dialed in and played my game. After the game, I knew I had a talent that had to be lived out. This inspired me to strive to continue soccer at the both university and national level.  

 

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

I was in a training session on a Thursday evening in Guyana. We were preparing to play in our 3rd CONCACAF qualifier game. There was a lot of pressure to get a result from this game. I paused and looked up to see the most beautiful sunsets I’ve seen. The trees quietly swaying in the wind. The weather was prestine and all my teammates energy was positive. This moment allowed me appreciate the opportunities and beauty this sport has given me. One of the photographers took a photo of the sunset with the net in sight and whenever I look back at this photo, I remember this amazing moment.   

 

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

When I came to Nipissing University, the Women’s Soccer program wasn’t one of the top schools in the OUA. My first season with the Lakers, we made history. We went from being an underdog to a nationally ranked team. Having the opportunity to be a part of the school's soccer history made me so excited for the future of this program. It's inspires me to continue this culture of success and to play in the OUA with my team.  

 

 

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

Everyone person on your team is your family. Soccer requires bonded players, connections, and trust. My teammate connections have formed in the locker room, during training and games, and through off-field activities. Creating a strong sense of connection is one of the most important factors in becoming an unstoppable team.   

 

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 them that passion is everything. If you don’t have passion for the sport, you will easily be guided in other directions. There will be tough coaches, hard losses, stress, and frustrations. Despite all these hardships, you need to know that your love for the sport conquers all and motivates you to keep going. 

 

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.)?

In my mind, every training opportunity is a chance to improve. If you go into every training giving 100% and pushing your self to improve, your time will be worthwhile. I always enter training ready to compete and willing to leave a better player.  

 

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 stay in soccer. It will change your life for the better. Soccer will allow you to meet girls you will have long-lasting friendships with and it will allow you to travel the world. Soccer will provide you stability and purpose in life. Staying in soccer will shape your life.     

 

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

A key strategy is organization. Knowing exactly what needs to be completed and allocating time for these tasks will lead to success.  I was a member of the Guyana National Team during the middle of the Winter semester of my 3rd year of University. We trained 3 times a day,  shared 3 meals times, and met for team meetings. It meant there was very minimal time for me to complete schoolwork. I organized each and every course assignment and due date. I tackled one assignment at a time and set daily goals. I successfully completed all my work and excelled in each of my courses. I knew that if I could get my school work done in this environment, I could tackle any amount of stress related with schoolwork.   

 

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.