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 Juliana Bossom

University - 

University of Waterloo

 

Sport -

Rugby

 

Year of Eligibility -

4th Year

 

Hometown - 

Dunrobin, Ottawa, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Honours Kinesiology  

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I first got involved in rugby in grade 9 of high school. I played touch football before rugby and knew my high school did not have a strong football team. I also knew that touch football wasn't a fall sport. So I made the decision to attend the rugby fall 7's tryouts. It was one of the first big decisions I made on my own and in terms how much my friends influenced my decision as what to play. From there, I continued to play 15s and 7s throughout high school. I loved the community our coach fostered. I also appreciated the chance to have my "own" sport to enjoy and could get better at. 

 

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

I think playing at a high level of the rugby interested me because it was something new to myself and everyone else around me. It was also was an identity I could create for myself on my own. I grew up very athletic and good at many sports. But, I never had a particular sport that stuck with me nor one that I solely pursued competitively.

I also liked that it was new. And I liked that I could use my body to achieve amazing things. I was always a small/skinny kid, but there was something powerful about being able to play a contact sport and succeed.   

 

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?

There really is no specific moment that led me to believe that I compete at a high level. But, I did know I was athletic and  had generally good rugby skills. I also knew it was somewhat of an "easier" sport to get into at certain schools simply because it's not as popular as other more mainstream sports.

Having said that, my 4 years of high school rugby definitely helped me look for opportunities to continue to play. I figured, why not play. I knew I was someone who needed sports in my life. I also wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and experience tough challenges. So that led me to tryout for the varsity team at Waterloo.

Once I made the varsity team, I have to admit I wasn't that good in my first year. The jump from high school to university rugby was huge. But I wanted to stick with it because I truly loved the feeling I felt when I played. I worked hard and, especially after my first year, I put blood, sweat and tears into improving myself. I got more muscular and improved my athletic skills. I was so so determined to be the best I could be. 

When I came back in second year, it payed off and I started every game. I also won the team's most improved player that season. I think it was when people started to notice what I achieved that second year, I knew I was capable of competing at a higher level of the sport.  

 

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

Overall, it's the community of the sport that comes to the top of my list. The rugby community is like no other. Our sport is so so physically and emotionally demanding that it fosters an environment that most other sports don't experience. Everyone is so inclusive, caring and hard workers.

I have truly enjoyed my whole rugby journey. From being small with no confidence in my abilities, to getting stronger, faster, more skilled and more confident. I think, overall, I've grown so so much as an athlete and person through rugby and it's amazing to see that progress and growth when I look back. I will truly cherish all the amazing relationships I've made through this sport.  

 

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, there is one person who inspires me and that's Ben Skinner. I played alongside them on the University of Waterloo's team for a couple years and now they are my coach. Ben has broken down so many barriers in women's rugby. Not just for women, but people of colour, indigenous peoples and for those apart of the LGBTQ+ community.

I would also say that they are the best coach/teacher I have ever had. Ben knows how to coach to each individual player's needs. They fight for people. They fought for me. After I came back my second year and no one recognized me from the year before, they always told me how much they believed in me. They still do to this day. They saw how hard I worked and have always given me the chances they knew I deserved. I am forever grateful for knowing Ben. They have helped me mentally and physically with rugby and life and will always hold a special place in my heart. 

 

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

What excites me the most is continuing to grow as an athlete, human, teammate, leader and friend. Obviously, I also want to win more games. But being on a developing/young team, you learn that winning is NOT the only thing you can get out of competitive sports. You also learn how to commit to something bigger that yourself; to put everything you have into working for it; how to be a leader; and work with an amazing group of humans.  

Most of all though, I learned so much about mental health. I learned how to work through struggles; how to be vulnerable; and when to take steps back to care for myself. It's a work in progress always, but I am forever grateful to continue learning about myself through this sport. I also of course just want to keep pushing the boundaries I can achieve in rugby. I want to always improve.

 

 

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

The community in rugby is unlike no other. I can't explain it to anyone, you just have to be involved and you will see. The physical and emotional nature of the game is where I think this comes from. I know most other people see it from afar but, when I go to social events with my team, everyone notices how fun, crazy and close we all are as a team.

In addition, other people may not know that this sense of community also involves our opposing teams too. After most games, we have socials with our opposing team. We also pick women/man of the matches and eat and socialize together. For me, this demonstrates how amazing a community is created across all teams.

Another final thing I find funny about the game that you may not know is that we dont get to pick our jersey numbers. These numbers are based on the position you play.  

 

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 start playing rugby, I would tell them to never give up. Keep learning and trying. Especially since the rules and skills are much different from other sports and it may take time to grasp the game. Also find a veteran who you trust and look up to and allow yourself to learn from them. This will be an emotional and physical journey but you will grow so much.

 

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.)?

There are many things. Firstly, I try to get as much hands-on ball practice as possible. I focus on working hard in the gym, on the field, etc. and try not worry about whether see my hard work or not. I know my efforts will pay off.  Finally, during your practices, I try to take the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. This may mean playing positions I wouldn't normally be placed or running plays that don't come as naturally to me.   

 

What would you say to your 10-year-old self about playing and staying in sport?

I would say the same thing I told myself 16-year-old self: Don't give up. Playing rugby and sport in general can be an emotional and physical rollercoaster. But you will learn your biggest life lessons from it. 

 

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

Firstly, you have to be able to self-assess how dedicated you are to your sport and school. I knew it was so important for me to excel at both. So I made sacrifices. It meant going to bed earlier and waking up at 6am to lift at 6:30am before classes/studying.

Overall, it's all about time management. I know what's important to me and I make it work. I am an above 90% average student despite all the time I dedicate to rugby. That is the first thing. The second is also scheduling in time to do other things outside of rugby. You need to have a life outside because it's what helps you get through the tough times in the sport. It balances out your mental and physical demands. It recharges you. It means planning times to see non-rugby friends, go out some nights and take a day off of practice (assuming you're in the position to do so on your team). If you're not mentally prepared to play, it will affects your performance.

It also means doing the things to take care for yourself. It will help you succeed in your sport and in classes. I'm certainly not perfect with all of this and I do experience both good weeks and bad. But I do try my hardest and this is how I've been successful over the past 5 years as a varsity student athlete.

 

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