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 Karlie Stewart

University - 

Ontario Tech University

 

Sport -

Rowing

 

Year of Eligibility -

2nd Year

 

Hometown - 

Scarborough, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Kinesiology 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

It was a very last minute decision to try out for the rowing team. I have a friend who was previously on the team for 5 years and is now a coach of the team. So I mentioned to her the thought of trying out and she agreed I should. I had never rowed before, so trying out for the novice team made me very nervous. Once I got to know the people I could possibly be rowing with in the boat, it gave me the confidence to stay with it and enjoy every second of the amazing opportunity I'd been given.  

 

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

What interested me most is the opportunity you get rowing novice without the need to have any prior experience with the sport. Every other team at university requires you to be skilled in that sport and have lots of experience to have the opportuity to compete at the university level. However, novice rowing gives everyone the equal opportunity to try out and to develop your skills that will help you to try out for the varsity team the following year. 

 

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?

There was no real specific moment that led me to believe I could compete in the sport. It was the encouragement from all my peers and potential teammates overtime that helped me overcome my fears and allow me to stay and believe I could do this. 

 

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

My fondest memory of being involved in the sport so far is the friendships/relationships I have made with the entire team (novice and varsity) as well with the team's coaches. I would have never stuck with it if I didn’t have the encouragement from others involved with the team. Everyone supports one another no matter at what level you row. 

 

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?

The one person who inspired me to pursue this would be Coach Sara and my other female teammates that I row on the boat with. Sara has been a rock for me and has encouraged me through tough times. She provides me with the right feedback that will help me be better as a rower and for my team.  

 

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

What excites me most about continuing my athletic journey is getting to experience everything with my teammates. We all got to experience our very first race together and we know no matter what happens we will all support each other.  

 

 

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

One thing that is unique to rowing is around how the different seats in the boats and how they differ between each type of boat you find yourself rowing in. For example, when someone rows an 8-seat boat versus rowing in a double or single boat.    

 

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 someone to give it all that you’ve got because it’s an amazing opportunity to be a part of a university team that doesn’t require any experience. In addition, don't cut yourself short; be sure to do all of the exercises required in training. It will give you and your teammates the best shot for success.

 

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 I do to continue to experience improvement is second workouts. We have 2- hours practices Monday-Saturday at a very early hour in the morning. But I also make a point to always get a second workout in to improve my fitness and cardio levels. Even throughout my very busy days with school and work.

 

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

My 10-year-old self would have never thought I’d be a part of a university team for rowing. I grew up dancing/competing in dance and that was my entire life. To now to be a part of a team in a completely different sport is shocking.    

 

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

I do make sure to leave enough time for school work and work so I don’t fall behind. It's also important to get enough downtime to destress and relax. 

 

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.