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 Claudia Gadinger

University - 

University of Ottawa

 

Sport -

Squash

 

Year of Eligibility -

4th Year

 

Hometown - 

Niagara, Ontario

 

Program of Study - 

Accounting 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I've started playing squash as a little girl when my dad introduced me to the game. 

 

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

What most interested me about squash and inspired me to pursue playing it at a high level is the fact that it's a fun, intense, sociable game.  

 

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 don't really have any moment or experience that led me to believe that I could compete in squash at an elite level. I just love the sport. When I heard there was a squash team at the University of Ottawa, I jumped at the chance to play.  

 

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

My fondest memory of playing squash at university is definitely the people I have met. Squash attracts a fun bunch of people who are intense and funny at the same time.  

 

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 old high school coach had a daughter who was incredible at playing squash. She mentored me throughout high school and continues to be an inspiration to me because of her dedication and focus towards the sport.  

 

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

I am excited about the competition I have faced in this past season.  

 

 

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

Generally speaking, most people don't know what the game of squash is all about. It also means most people aren't aware of the game's rules. One rule in particular that I think that most people don't know about is around scooping the ball with your racquet. There is also a hidden marksmanship where you play to rally and then win. Not just play to win.

 

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 tell someone who's looking to start to play squash to learn the raquet techniques first. Having a good knowledge of raquet techniques will take you a long way in having success in the game.

 

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.)?

I ghost quite a bit by myself. My weakness is my footwork and the only way I'll get better is through ghosting*.  

 

*Ghosting is moving around the squash alone with the intention of improving your fitness and/or your movement technique.

 

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 find the art to squash and don't get caught up in how tired you are.     

 

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

The strategy that is effective for me is to use a 10 minute schedule where I block off everything from lunch to classes.  

 

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 Squash 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.