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 Reka Somogyi

University - 

University of Waterloo

 

Sport -

Figure Skating

 

Year of Eligibility -

2nd Year

 

Hometown - 

Georgetown, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Urban Planning 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I tried many sports as a kid. everything from gymnastics to soccer and, later karate. However, skating was the one that stuck. My parents enrolled me in a learn to skate program at the age of 5, and, I have to say, I hated it at first and begged to get off the ice at each lesson. Eventually, I learned to love the sport. I began figure skating lessons around the age 9 and spent the rest of elementary school and highschool skating with the Georgetown Skating Club. I called the rink home for so many years and I am beyond happy to be able to continue skating with the University of Waterloo (UW)'s varsity figure skating team. 

 

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

I love staying active and involving myself in the community through various ways. So I knew the team at UW was something I'd be interested in. Having competed only a few times growing up, I knew training with the team would allow me to experience the competition circuit again. While it was a little intimidating at first, OUA Figure Skating is a far more supportive atmosphere than what I had growing up and has showed me that pursuing sport at a higher level should not be feared or discouraged. 

 

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?

For me, the moment happened after I received the email saying I had made the team. I felt like all my hard work had paid off and I belonged in this sport. Having the chance to learn and grow with this team has also helped show me that I have a place in the sport at this high level.    

 

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

My fondest memory/experience would have to be my first OUAs. It was my first time competing in 8 years and it felt amazing to be back. The tremendous support not only from my teammates, but from the skaters of other schools as well, was unbelievable. It made me fall in love with the sport and competition all over again. 

 

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?

Those who inspire me the most are my teammates and coaches. The immense support and family-like bond displayed by the team is amazing and makes every practice such a joy to be at. I want to keep working hard not only for myself, but for them as well. Their unwavered support keeps me going through all the highs and lows of this sport. 

 

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

What excites me the most about continuing with OUA varsity figure skating is the environment. I love being surrounded by like-minded athletes with similar goals. It has also helped me meet so many new people and create many great memories. I look forward to every practice and competition and I can't wait to see what comes next.    

 

 

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

Figure skating is a blend of athleticism and artistry; achieving an even balance of both is not easy. While the sport may look like a bunch of twirls and jumps to you, I can assure you it is far more. Endurance and strength are crucial for our sport and have to be trained on and off the ice. We have to be extremely disciplined if we want 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 there were someone who was looking to start figure skating, I would tell them that practice makes perfect. Much of skating is repetition and building muscle memory. The more you practice your skills, the better you will get. Doing one more jump or spin will always help you in the long run. 

I would also let them know that it's important to not be extremely hard on yourself.  

 

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 focus much of my time away from team practice time doing cardiovascular exercises that can include treadmill workouts or going outside for runs. This helps me to train for longer periods of time without getting so tired, builds my endurance and also helps when doing freeskate run throughs. Weight training is also very helpful and I am so glad our coach assists with organizing these sessions. 

 

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 worth it. There were so many times where I felt I was not good enough. But if I could show my ten-year-old self how far we have come and how much we achieved, they would be so proud.      

 

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

One important aspect for a positive student/athlete balance is support for academics and health. Being a student-athlete is no easy role so having tutoring supports, free therapy, and mental health resources has been extremely helpful. Making sure to remind student-athletes to prioritize their health and academics is extremely important. 

 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

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