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 Jess Malcolm

University - 

Trent University

 

Sport -

Rugby

 

Year of Eligibility -

4th Year

 

Hometown - 

Paris, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Psychology 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I started playing rugby in my grade nine year of high school. In elementary school, I'd played every sport offered but not rugby. When I entered high school, I thought that playing rugby would be a great new and exciting challenge and something I wanted to try. 

 

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

What interests me is the physicality and the culture. Having the chance to play rugby in high school as well as in a club environment introduced me to a lot of competitive and driven individuals. These were the people I wanted to surround myself with. The dedication and work rate of some of the incredible players I met and played with and against made me want to pursue the sport and become a player that could inspire that effort in my teammates as well.  

 

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?

After high school ended, I actually took 6 months off of rugby to travel before heading to university. One of my co-captains from high school reached out to me while I was away and encouraged me to email the Trent rugby coach about trying out. I'm going to be forever grateful she did because, without her encouragement, I don't know if I would have had the confidence on my own to show up the day before training camp and tryout without even having met any of the coaches or players. Thankfully, my co-captain did encourage me to reach out. Now, 4 years into my university playing career, I'm certain that I would have regretted not playing.  

 

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

Rugby is a physical sport that's tough on the pitch, but friendly off. I think just having the experience of post-game socials and having a drink and a laugh with my team and the other team is the best experience I can attribute to the sport. It doesn't matter how many girls hit you, tackle you or score against you, at the end of the game you all come together because you love rugby and competing. This is what makes rugby great.  

 

 

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?

My coach Doug Lang has really re-ignited the passion and love I have for this sport. This year was his first year being head coach. The passion and enthusiasm he has for his players and team to improve is contagious. He invests his time and effort in his players, and, in return, his players want to win for him and for the team. Myself included. 

To have someone believe in you, and work to cultivate you as an athlete is the most inspiring thing a coach can do. Coach Doug's desire to see me improve and the team improve inspires me to be a better player and teammate.  

 

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

I have always loved sports and I think I always will. I will be graduating this year but I'm hoping to pursue a masters degree in sport psychology. I think that even although my personal journey as an athlete may not continue for much longer, I'm excited to still be a part of the environment and contribute in a different way. I will never cease to shout the benefits that organized sports and a team environment can provide to an individual. I'm also excited to hopefully one day be a part of making sport a mentally safe and healthy place for future athletes.  

 

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

While most everyone sees the big hits and tackles when they watch rugby, I don't think everyone sees the bruises and bumps that show up on the following days after a game. Some of my favorite parts of rugby are coming to a team practice the following Monday and having a chuckle at everyone's turf burns, huge bruises and sore bodies. In a weird way, it's almost like a bonding experience for the team.    

 

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

If someone were to come to me about wanting to play rugby, I would tell them to invest their time and energy into the team. More often that not, you'll reap the rewards of this type of investment. For me, I entered university knowing one person. After training camp, I left knowing 35 girls and I was confident that I could sit next to any one of them in a lecture hall and each one would be there for me. At the end of the day, you need to put into your team what you want to get out of it. 

 

 

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 area that I spend time working on is kicking. While I came into the sport with a soccer background, kicking a rugby ball is very different from kicking a rugby ball. As well, rugby involves making lot of different types of kicks - drop-kick, chip, kick for points, etc. There's always room to grow and improve your kicking skills. And for me personally, I can certainly tell that I am so much further along in kicking skills and confidence as compared to when I first began playing university rugby.  

 

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

I would definitely tell my 10-year-old self to just do it.  It is so worth it. I would tell her to tryout. Even if you don't make the team, what's the worst that could happen? You get cut? Your just going to play every other sport out there. I know I wouldn't have become the same person I am today if I hadn't had the opportunities that sport has given me.

I would also tell my younger self to take care of her body a little better. You want to have two functioning knees when your fifty so keep wearing and don't lose that knee brace.     

 

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

I would say it's important to rely on the people that appreciate your situation as a student-athlete including other athletes and coaches. Sometimes it may feel like your alone in it all and alone in your experiences. But your truly not. There are people that understand and can help. With that said, if you're offered help, be sure to take it. There is no shame or defeat in leaning on someone that offers you help. They wouldn't have offered it to you if they didn't mean it. It's important to create these types of relationships with your teammates as they also understand what you're going through as a student-athlete and, more often than not, want to help too.  

 

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