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 athlete Kristen Dajka 

University - 

Wilfrid Laurier University

 

Sport -

Rugby

 

Year of Eligibility -

2nd Year

 

Hometown - 

Whitby, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Biology 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I first got involved in rugby through a friend.

 

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

I think what interests me the most is the culture that playing rugby enables you to experience.  

 

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 think the specific moment for me happened when I got to play for Team Ontario. 

 

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

My fondest memory is knowing that I have met some of my greatest friends while playing rugby.

 

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 think my cousin inspires me to pursue rugby at a high level. She’s just a great rugby player in her own right.

 

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

I think what excites me the most about playing rugby in the OUA is the opportunity it give me to be better in my sport. 

 

 

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

I think one unique aspect is recognizing the mental rush one experiences when playing a contact sport like rugby.  

 

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 start playing rugby, I will encourage them to take time to learn the rules. It will go a long way to help build your rugby IQ.

 

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, it's about constantly working to improve my cardio training. 

 

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

I think I would tell my 10-year-old self to remember that you're never too old to start playing.

 

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

One particular strategy that works well for me is making a daily To-Do list that incorporates a timeline. 

 

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.