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 Maya Robinson 

University - 

Wilfrid Laurier University

 

Sport -

Cross Country

 

Year of Eligibility -

1st Year

 

Hometown - 

Belgrave, ON 

 

Program of Study - 

Kinesiology 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I was introduced to cross country running in elementary school. I decided to run because I enjoyed being active and wanted to be competitive along with my friends. 

 

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

I enjoy the aspect that I am able to turn such a basic movement into something competitive. It also enables me to compete against myself more than anyone. I want to continue to grow as a runner and that motivates me to seek out new opportunities at 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?

After competing at several cross country Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) festivals, I became hopeful that this sport one day could not only accompany my high school education but even enhance my university experience. 

 

 

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

I think my fondest memory happened in Grade 9 when my high school team won gold at the OFSAA Cross Country Championships in Hamilton. It was a surreal feeling coming together with everyone to hear our school name being announced over the speakers.  

 

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?

Several older athletes I previously trained with in the summer always had great things to say about being a student-athlete. I was inspired by their time management and grit and wanted to follow in these same footsteps.

 

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

I am very excited to make connections with others with the same hobbies and interests as well as continue to compete in sport at a high level.  

 

 

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

I would say that there are a lot more pieces to the puzzle of being a great runner than simply being able to run. 

 

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 tell that person to know that there will be ups and downs. But, at the end of the day, it's important to remember that ultimately running is something that should be fun to do.  

 

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 try to take easy days easy and make hard days hard. I also appreciate that cross training is crucial for staying strong and injury-free.  

 

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

I would tell my 10-year-old self to do it because you love it. There is more to sport than winning.  

 

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

For me, I schedule every aspect of my day so that I know what I am doing from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed. I find this helps me stay on top of my training and academics.   

 

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.