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 Kat Campana

University - 

University of Windsor

 

Sport -

Soccer

 

Year of Eligibility -

2nd Year

 

Hometown - 

Windsor, Ontario

 

Program of Study - 

Nursing 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

My dad played soccer his whole life and put me into soccer when I was 3 years old.

 

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

What interested most about soccer was the chance to be creative when playing with the ball and the freedom I have when I'm on the field.

 

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?

One specific moment that helped me to believe that I could play soccer at a high level happened when I started to play in the United States. I was given the opportunity to mark very top level players. 

 

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

My fondest memory is winning a state cup championship with my club team.

 

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?

I would say that both my dad and brother inspire me to keep playing. They both had the opportunity to play for the University of Windsor and knowing this drives my desire to play varsity level soccer.

 

 

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

What excites me the most is the level of competition that playin in the OUA provides me as a player. 

 

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

I would say that the sport of soccer requires a deep level of understanding of the game. There is a definitely a big mental component to soccer and it's not enough to be the most skillful player on the field. As a player, it's important to be able to mentally focus as well as stay switched on during the game.    

 

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 soccer, I would tell them to not let coaches ruin your love for the sport.

 

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.)?

For me, I constantly try to keep my touches and passing sharp. I'm able to do this by adding extra training sessions that help to build my technical skills.

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

I would certainly tell my 10-year-old self to enjoy every game and every practice because it all goes by so fast.   

 

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

For me, I find time management is the key to my success. I always try to plan my studying and assignment completion in advance and so as to accommodate team practices and games. It's also important for me to find time on the bus to read over my school notes and take the opportunity to work on any incomplete assignments. Finally, making sure to get enough sleep is super critical for me.

 

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 Soccer 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.