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 De Fazio 

University - 

University of Waterloo

 

Sport -

Nordic Skiing

 

Year of Eligibility -

3rd Year

 

Hometown - 

Barrie, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Management Engineering  

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I first got involved with nordic skiing as kid skiing with my family on the weekends. Each winter, I would participate in ski lessons. It wasn't until I was 14 years old that I realized I could race when I had the chance to learn about the local racing team while they visited the place where I took lessons. 

 

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

The main thing that interested me and made me want to pursue nordic skiing at a high level was the chance to really push myself to the next level. When you are racing, it is just you and the trail in front of you. You are pushing yourself mentally just as much as you are pushing yourself physically. The chance to see how fast and how far I could go pushed me to take it to a high level. 

 

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 think that the moment that I realized I could compete in nordic skiing as a sport was during a race in Thunder Bay. There were a group of girls who I had been chasing in different races all year, and at that race, I led them through to the last kilometre of the race. In that moment, racing up a hill being chased by the people who I looked up to, was the moment I realized I could competitively ski at a high level. 

 

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

I think my fondest memory came at a training camp. We got caught in a downpour during a distance rollerski.  The chaos of trying to see and stay on the road was such a memorable experience with everyone laughing and splashing each other without even trying.  

 

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

Something that excites me about continuing this journey is the chance to continue to compete with a team. So often, competing in nordic skiing after high school means that you have to move or put off school. Having the chance to be a part of an OUA team means that I can work to do my best in both school and skiing.

 

 

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

Nordic skiing encompasses two different techniques, classic and skate. In order to compete, you need to be able to race both techniques over distances ranging from 1.5km to over 50km.  

 

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 was looking to get started in nordic skiing, I would encourage them to check out local outdoors clubs. They usually have rentals and lessons to get you comfortable on skis before you try to venture out on your own.

 

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 I do to continue to experience improvement in my skiing is to try to keep a consistent training schedule. This I would say is something that is very important when participating and competing in a distance sport.  

 

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 although you play an individual sport, you don’t have to do it all alone. Your teammates are going to be your support and your best friends.  

 

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

I would recomment that one tries to find a consistent schedule that encompasses school, training, and social time. It’s easy to drop one of those parts of your schedule but you will be happier and do better in sports and school if you can prioritize balancing all three in your schedule. 

 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

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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.