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 Alexandra Shipp

University - 

Trent University

 

Sport -

Soccer

 

Year of Eligibility -

3rd Year

 

Hometown - 

Cannington, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Nursing

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

My parents signed me up for Timbits soccer when I was 4 years old. Soccer has always been an important sport in my family. 

 

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

What I love the most about soccer is both the team environment and the competitive nature of the game.

 

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

For me, my fondest memory has been preseason swimming in the river at Trent with the team in between practices.  

 

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 dad inspires me to continue my involvement in soccer. He coached me when I was a kid and now we are coaching a youth team together. His passion for the game has allowed me to continue to grow my own passion for soccer. 

 

 

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

I am excited to make memories with my teammates, push my body to new levels and inspire a new generation of girls to see that it is possible to play sports at a high level while pursuing a career outside of sport.   

 

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

I would them to remember that the ball is your best coach. It will tell you what works and what doesn't by its movement.  With practice and dedication, you are able to learn the corrections needed to have greater success handling the ball.

 

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, I'm primarily focused on increasing my pass percentage, knowing how to better communicate with my teammates; and having a stronger sense of knowing where others are on the field.  

 

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 you are going to fail, make mistakes and struggle. But, if you keep your head up, stay focused and be passionate about the game, you will enable yourself to continue to play the game.    

 

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

Having a positive outlook on my situation really helps me keep a good perspective on everything. I am lucky to have the privilege to play my sport at a high level and to have the time to be in university and on a varsity team. 

 

 

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 Soccer 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.