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 Jayna Wrightson

University - 

Trent University

 

Sport -

Curling

 

Year of Eligibility -

2nd Year

 

Hometown - 

St. George, Ontaro 

 

Program of Study - 

Conservation Biology 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

Curling has always been in my family. Seeing my nana curl at her age of 67 inspired me to join the sport.

 

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

Since there was a lot of family involvement in the sport, I was encouraged to try competition level and that’s when I fell in love with curling and never looked back.  

 

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?

At the age of 12, I was skip on a competitive team with girls older than me. Being so young and competing at the same level and enthusiasm as others older than me showed that I had to potential to play at the higher level of curling.  

 

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

After I had played in my first provincial curling event, I knew curling would be in my life forever. Having the opportunity to be around others that love the game as much as I do and feeling the support of family and community is truly the best experience. 

 

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?

Family, my curling friends, and memories from my first coach have driven my love for the sport. Knowing they all see the potential I carry and feeling that through their support has carried me to places I’ve only dreamed of reaching. To be a part of a variety team is a dream that my 12 year old self is so proud of.  

 

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

I think what excites me the most about playing at the OUA level are the friends I have gained through the team as well as the professional relationships made with the coaches who push us to do our best. To have the chance to experience another year a part of OUA varsity level sports  allows me to grow and to play the sport I love.

 

 

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

Curling is a very social sport. Relationships and friendships between teams is one that is carried for years. I’ve been curling with so many players and many of whom I have competed against from the age of 10 and onward.  

 

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

If I were to give advice to someone who wanted to start curling, I would tell that person to get a friend to sign up with you. If you're lucky, you'll be playing along side them for years to 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.)?

For me, having the opportunity to train along side a trainer has pushed me to become stronger on and off 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 that your dreams can become reality. Do what makes you happy and, if you can dream it, it can happen.    

 

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

Two specific strategies that I would recommend include ensuring you take one day as a self care day and to always prioritize sleep. 

 

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.  

Start a group around a physical activity in your neighbourhood. Explore events. Check out our SWSCD Hub.

Look for advice, stories, news and more on our Curling activity page.  

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.