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 Hannah Badin 

University - 

Wilfrid Laurier University

 

Sport -

Cross Country

 

Year of Eligibility -

4th Year

 

Hometown - 

Mississauga 

 

Program of Study - 

Kinesiology 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I was 13 years old and we did a little race in middle school. This is when I realized I actually really enjoyed running and was decent at it too. 

 

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

I am South Asian and I have never seen South Asian women in track and field and cross country at a high level. I really wanted to be that representation.  

 

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 went to the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) Cross Country Championships in my last two years of high school and that gave me the motivation to run at the university level.

 

 

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

My fondest memory happened at the moment when my teammates and I found out we had made it to Nationals for cross country. We all screamed and hugged each other - it was an amazing experience.

 

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 mom inspires me. My mom has been active and a runner her whole life. She is currently in her 60s and still exercises daily.

 

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

I love how intense the training is because I am able to reach and see what my full potential is. 

 

 

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

How obsessed we runners are with running shoes. 

 

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 suggest to that person that they start slow and build their way up. 

 

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 work hard on quieting and lessening the anxiety I get when my inner voice wants to tell me that I'm not good enough and I shouldn’t be on the team. I focus on knowing that I do deserve to be on the team and have worked hard at being my best.

 

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 it’s only going to go up from here. 

 

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

I find that mediation and journaling helps me feel a peaceful place and a sense of calm. It really helps to ready me for the day. 

 

 

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.  

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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.