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 Julia Hambly 

University - 

Ontario Tech University

 

Sport -

Curling

 

Year of Eligibility -

2nd Year

 

Hometown - 

Ajax, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Commerce 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I first got involved in curling while I was in elementary school. I enjoyed it and tried it beyond the schools program although, at the time,  I didn't stick with it. Throughout high school I didn’t have access to a curling team but, when I got to university, I decided to do something new. I reached out to the university curling coach to see if there was a chance I could begin to learn and understand the sport again. My coach took me in and taught me all that I know. It's exciting to know that I have reached where I am now. 

 

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

I have always had a passion for curling. Although I couldn’t play it for a few years, I watched almost every bonspeil TSN would show. I always was an active and athletic person so the opportunity to take my experience to a higher level made things even more exciting.  It's allowed me to live out one of my goals. 

 

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?

After connecting with my curling coach, I knew that he had the confidence for me to achieve the sport at a high level. I remember being absolutely nervous and worried about not being good enough.  But he reassured me and said that if I am willing to put the work in, I can do great things. If I’m being honest, I’ll never forget that moment.

 

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

My fondest memory would be how my team came together for the OUA Championship. It was important to see how the team could work together and even if we didn’t win a game, we knew we always had each other’s backs.

 

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?

100% it's my coach who inspires me to continue to pursue curling. I think he took a risk choosing to teach me and give me the experience I needed to be able to play. It certainly has paid off and I can’t describe how lucky I am to have a coach that cares and is always around when needed. It’s very rewarding to work hard and be recognized for it too. My coach is always the first to acknowledge good efforts and good work.

 

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

I think what excites me the most is having the chance to meet new people through sport and be involved in experiences as a varsity athlete. I have been a part of things I could never have imagined. Whether it’s a tournament, media day or varsity night, I have been grateful for all the experiences and opportunities presented to me as a varsity curler.  

 

 

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

I think most people may think curling is a “boring” sport. But once you're given the chance to play it, you realize that it’s very challenging sport. There are so many factors to consider when playing and strategizing in a game including the ice conditions, the weight of your throw and how your sweeping will affect the overall delivery of the rock. There is so much to consider all at once.   

 

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 where looking to start curling, one piece of advice I would give is to take a riskl  You'll never know where it will lead you unless you try.  

 

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.)?

Team building and team bonding is critical in my sport. It's why I continue to experience improvement in my game As a team, my teammates and I work well together. And working well together is key if you are to perform at our best.   

 

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 take the opportunity to try whatever you want in sports. Life is too short and one day you won’t be able to do it.  

 

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

One critical strategy is time management. Having the ability to plan when games, practice, and classes are is the key to success.  

 

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.