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 Jamie Spencer

University - 

Trent University

 

Sport -

Volleyball

 

Year of Eligibility -

2nd Year

 

Hometown - 

Fort Frances, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Psychology 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I first got involved in the sport when I saw a developmental volleyball camp poster in my elementary school 9 years ago. I thought it would be something fun to attend.

 

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

What I love the most about playing volleyball is the high intensity and the pressure that comes with the game. My interest in wanting to play the game at a higher level is the need to keep challengin myself. 

 

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?

When I was in grade 11, I had the chance to compete with my school volleyball team at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association's (OFSSA) provincial championships.  Because I was only 16 years old at the time, higher level coaches weren’t allowed to talk to me about future playing opportunities. But two post secondary coaches did take the time to talk to my mom about the opportunity for me to play at the college and university level of the game.  That's when I knew that playing volleyball at a high level was an achievable goal.

 

 

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

I think my fondest memory would be beating Nippissing University last year in 5 sets which allowed our team to clinch a playoff spot.

 

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 mom played field hockey in high school and I know she really wanted to play at the post secondary level but never got the chance to. So knowing that, I do believe it makes her really happy to see me play university volleyball. Her sense of enjoyment in me playing also makes me want to keep working hard and making her proud.  

 

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

I would say that the whole season has been really exciting for me. I’m pumped to play more schools than last year and get more experience. I’m also excited for to continue to enjoy road trips with my teammates and for the chance to grow closer as a team. 

 

 

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

I think one unique aspect is recognizing there is so much behind the scenes preparation that goes into playing volleyball. Needing to appreciate knowing things like each type of defensive set up and serve receive set up requires you have to use a lot of brain power to know what to do with the ball and what all your teammates are going to do within each particular set up.  Also, it's important to be able to adjust how you and your teammates play against each competing team and the individual players who make up that team in order to win points and games.   

 

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

If there was someonw who was looking to start playing volleyball, I would tell them to take their time and listen to their coaches.  The ability to play the game goes by so fast so be sure to enjoy every minute 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.)?

For me, I’m always working on taking a better look and trying to place the ball better on both my serves and my hits. 

 

 

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 stay as active as possible because it’s much easier for your body to recover at that age than it is 10 years later.    

 

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

I think it's critical to focus on your time management, to write everything down and to stay on top of things. I find going to bed early and waking up early to get school work done works a lot better for me than staying up late to get it done and then sleeping in. 

 

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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Look for advice, stories, news and more on our Volleyball 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.