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 Kathy Dufour 

University - 

University of Ottawa

 

Sport -

Cross Country

 

Year of Eligibility -

1st Year

 

Hometown - 

Rimouski, Quebec 

 

Program of Study - 

Civil Law 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I started cross country skiing during my biking off season. 

 

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

I love it! It's fun and it's a mix of sports I love.

 

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 hve always had a sense of competition. It's deep in my personality.   

 

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?

Yes, multiple people who have inspired me. They've all inspired me because they could merged school, work and sport all together.  

 

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

For me, running varsity cross country helps me to balance my life as a student and work through my studying requirements. It is a way for me to escape when stress and study are too intense. 

 

 

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

Cross country is a very individual sport. But, at the end of the day, you need a team to succeed. 

 

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 wanted to start cross country, I would tell that person to be patient, have fun and the technique will 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.)?

One critical thing that I personally work hard on is to be more consistent. 

 

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 have fun and never abandon it.  There's always be a moment in your life when you will need sport.  

 

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

I believe it's important to focus on your goals. It's also helpful to set a routine and make time to have fun. 

 

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 Running 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.