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 Rebecca Jahoor

University - 

Trent University

 

Sport -

Curling

 

Year of Eligibility -

2nd Year

 

Hometown - 

Killaloe, Ontario

 

Program of Study - 

Indigenous Studies BAH /Law JD 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

In 1st grade, my small town invited elementary students to come out to the curling rink once a week with the school to learn how to curl. My older brother was always in charge of bringing home permission slips but they never seemed to make it home. So when this activity came up, I snatched this one out of his hands and made it made it home. They next thing I remember I was on the ice falling, sliding, and anything but actually curling.

My first coach Gerard quickly took me under his wing once he realized how interested in the sport I actually was. He volunteered to coach my high school team as well. I then went on to repersent the Killaloe Curling Club. Later I would play out of Pembroke and then Ottawa.

Today I am still sponsored by my original curling coach, play at Trent and was even featured on TSN and Curling Canada last year during the sixties to help promote diversity in curling.

 

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

Honestly it was the fact that growing up I never saw anyone that looked like me on the ice. I was the only youth and colored member in my club and I wanted to represent that the sport is for everyone. 

 

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?

In my 10th grade of high school I got very ill and had to take a break from soccer. This gave me the chance to really submerse myself in curling and lots of private practice time that I typically would have spent on the soccer field. Very quickly I moved from lead on the junior varsity team to skip on the varsity team.  

 

 

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

I think for me, just being part of the team every year and having the opportunity to be surrounded by a different group of amazing women on and off the ice makes playing so special and momorable.

 

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 owe everything in this sport to my original coach Gerard Mullin and to my mom who would drive her 13 year old to 10pm games and 6am open ice to compete against adults. These two people have always been my biggest cheerleaders behind the glass and I'm incredibly excited to continue this bond with my current university curling coach Joe Muldoon.

 

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

I think what excites me the most about curling varsity in the OUA  are the opportunities that have been presented to me because I am playing at this level - both now and in the future. Indeed, having the chance to share my story through Curling Canada was a great oppotunity for me. 

 

 

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

I feel like today people still view curling as a sport primarily for the elderly and typically played by men. It's incredibly important that we are inspiring young women to step out onto the ice and to see what's possible when you give curling a go.   

 

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 know that you don't have to be financially well off to curl. While some of the other players around you will be more financially stable and capable, it's important to know that it's possible to reach out to programs like Canadian Tire's Jumpstart for financial assistance. If you're really passionate about your sport, the opportunities to play will come. 

 

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.)?

This year I'm really excited to work with the new conditioning program Trent University Athletics is allowing varsity curlers to have access to as players. For me, having a specific regime in the gym will definitely help me on the ice. 

 

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

I would tell my 10-year-old self the following: "Hey Becca. I know your love for sports is just blooming at this point, but I can tell you now keep working as hard as you are and put your mental health above it all - together - trust me all those dreams will come true".    

 

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

For me, its knowing that our coaches are here not only to help us succeed in curling, but also in our student life. If your struggling, its incredibly important to speak up and reach out.

 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

Head to the SWSCD Athlete Advisor, your online athletic business directory. Find, rate and review programs, local community offerings and businesses that will help you do your thing.  

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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.