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 Chloe Herron 

University - 

Wilfrid Laurier University

 

Sport -

Rugby

 

Year of Eligibility -

2nd Year

 

Hometown - 

Brantford, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Policing and Psychology

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

My best friend's dad had been asking me to play rugby for years. So in grade 9,  I finally decided to give a try and fell in love with the sport.

 

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

I think what interested me the most about rugby was the inclusivity of the sport as well as the drive that I saw from within the rugby community.  

 

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?

The specific moment happened during the summer of 2020. I had the opportunity to train with national level players and their belief in me helped to inspire a believe in myself.

 

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

My fondest memory was the chance to be a part of Iroquois Roots Rugby. The first time I stepped on the field with this team, I truly felt I was a part of something bigger than myself.  It also felt right for me.  

 

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 coach Meagan inspires me to continue. She saw the potential in me from when I was young and I wouldn’t be here without her support and constant encouragement. 

 

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

I’m excited to continue to be a role model for young athletes. In particular, I am grateful to be someone that indigenous rugby players can look up to.  

 

 

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

Rugby is typically a very inclusive sport and there are positions for people of all body sizes and forms.  

 

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 I knew was looking to play rugby, I would tell them to let it be fun for themselves first and foremost. Rugby is super rewarding, but you have to allow yourself to enjoy it.

 

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 try to increase my strength by staying consistent in the gym with programming. It all starts in the off-season for me. 

 

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 playing rugby isn’t as scary as it looks and to try it earlier.  

 

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

One strategy that works for me is writing down all of my responsibilities in a day planner. It definitely keeps me on track. 

 

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 Rugby 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.