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 Sarah Zonneveld

University - 

Toronto Metropolitan University

 

Sport -

Volleyball

 

Year of Eligibility -

2nd Year

 

Hometown - 

Calgary, Alberta 

 

Program of Study - 

Business Technology Management 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

Both of my parents played volleyball throughout university and always stayed connected to the sport in the community. Growing up, volleyball was definitely a sport that was a part of my family. My older sister joined the sport when she was younger and I had always been a part of her practices. With my mom as her coach, I was able to take part in some drills at a very young age and fell in love with the competition and the different aspects of the game. 

 

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

I think what interested me the most about playing volleyball at a high level was the chance to follow in my parents' and sister's footsteps. Hearing about and watching their university experiences made the journey seem so much more enjoyable. Although it is quite busy at times, having the chance to play university volleyball is definitely able to shape your character and build qualities in yourself that otherwise might not have a chance to occur. I also chose to go to a university far away from home, so managing this long distance with the instant family your teammates provide has made the switch to OUA volleyball a lot easier. 

 

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?

For me, I think earning a spot on the provincial team as a young player was a key moment when I realized that I could pursue the sport at a high level. It helped a lot that I was surrounded by so many amazing coaches and knowledgable people in my life who were so willing to help be get better. There really was no room for any doubt on my part. I would also add that the love and drive that came from competing pushed me to want it more and more.  

 

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

Last summer, I was able to compete at the Canada Summer Games in Niagara Region. It was definitely an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Previously, I'd had the chance to compete with Team Alberta and to travel with the team for Canada Cup and the Western Canada Summer Games. Both of these experiences have also been incredible for me and have given me the chance to make lifelong friends. 

 

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?

I think again my sister would be the person who inspires me first and foremost. She has competed on a top level team for all 5 years of her university career and having the chance to see all that she has learned form her team and teammates is just crazy. As well, I have been insanely lucky to have been coached by my mom. Althought it was tough at some times, she did provide an easy outlet for me while playing if i needed it.  Finally, former Olympians  Randy Gingera and Allan Coulter have both played a big part in my success as a volleyball player. 

 

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

I think its just so exciting to be able to have new people come and go. While it is quite sad at the end of a season when veteran players leave as their time at university ends, it's also intriguing to see what the following year will bring in terms of new talent in the new players. I think ultimately, having the opportunity to be a part of an university athletics team at a university gives you such a sense of family and so many friendly faces to look for when on campus.

 

 

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

I think what is so unique about volleyball is that there are so many different options in positioning. When compared to other sports where you just stand on a different side of the field/court/rink, volleyball offers players multiple different options including the libero who just stays in the back row and plays defence; the outside players who are at the net attacking; to the setter who runs the offence but rarely attacks. If you don't enjoy one part of it, you can switch while in the same game and have a totally different part to play than the person in front of you.    

 

If someone else was looking to start playing your sport, what one piece of advice would you give them to get them started?

I think I would tell that person to always try your best to be coachable when getting advice from others and never stop reaching out. There are so many different club teams in every area and if those don't work out on the first try, there is always school teams to try for. There are also opportunities for drop in practices or games. If someone is looking to start at a younger age, I would suggest to be an all around player and work on every skill and not zone in on a position too early.  Being a well rounded player will serve to provide better chances to play as you get older. 

 

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.)?

I think personally for me in my role as a setter, I spend time on repetitions to better understand how the release feels for a good set versus a bad set; and to figure out the timing and speed of set needed to deliver to my hitters. I think the biggest thing in volleyball is the importance of repetition. Whether it's comparing the feel, doing drills in practice that focus on one aspect of the game helps to give time to appreciate what needs to change to make the outcome better. 

 

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

I would tell my younger self to not be as hard on herself. Having the opportunity to play freely and to make mistakes without worry is such an important thing with development. Leverage your mistakes as teachable moments rather than fighting against them is going to make you a much more resilient player.  I also I would tell her to take time to play individual sports. My mom always wanted me to do this but I never listened to her. Looking back, I definitely wish I did.    

 

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

I think creating a safe space with your team and teammates.  Whether it's providing a safe space to make mistakes, enable your teammates to provide feedback in a positive way as well as receiving that feedback as constructive and positive, will make your team better. It's also important to be sure to have fun and enjoy playing your sport you're dedicating yourself to. If you're not having fun while playing, then its likely not the right thing for you to be doing. In the end, having the ability to be goofy with your teammates and laugh together when random stuff happens, is definitely going to make a more comfortable space for learning and growing. 

 

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.