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 Avery Di Giorgio

University - 

Trent University

 

Sport -

Lacrosse

 

Year of Eligibility -

4th Year

 

Hometown - 

Hampton, Ontaro 

 

Program of Study - 

Nursing 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I first got involved in lacrosse because I have an older brother and I always wanted to do what he could do.  

 

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

For me, I love being a part of a team and I love the compete level playing at a high level provides. I also love all the friendships I have been able to make over the years of playing lacrosse.

 

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?

I think the specific moment/experience for me would have to be when I got invited to the U19 Team Canada tryouts. I remember feeling very intimidated and not sure if I belonged there. But as I talked through things with my dad, he just kept saying you’re here for a reason. Just go out there and try. 

 

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

My fondest memory would have to be winning the OUA Championship back-to-back. That would have to be my favourite. 

 

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?

While I have had so many great coaches over the years, the one coach that inspires to reach higher levels in my game would have to be Shawn Williams. He always pushed everyone to try their hardest and he always brought a positive attitude even after everything that has happened in his life. He’s a great role model and reminds you that not everyone can always play sports and to enjoy the time you have. 

 

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

I love seeing all the different levels of athletes and how well we can use everyone’s strengths to our advantage. Everyone has different experiences and everyone can bring a lot to the team.  

 

 

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

Lacrosse is the creators game and has been around for so long. There are so many traditions to the game and I am honoured to be able to play it in the OUA.     

 

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

What I would to say to someone who was looking to get started in lacrosse is to get out there and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone starts somewhere. Just give your best effort all the time.

 

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, it's always important to be open to learning something new. I think this allows me to be a better player and I think it helps to be a better teammate as well. 

 

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 not give up and to keep trying your hardest. There will always be people trying to tell you that you can’t do things and that should just make it that much more special when you accomplish it.      

 

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

I think keeping academics and athletics separate is really important. I make sure that the time between team sessions is used to get homework done and this has always worked really well for me. I would also recommend that you spend time getting together with teammates off the field.   

 

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.