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 Madison Keats 

University - 

Wilfrid Laurier University

 

Sport -

Rugby

 

Year of Eligibility -

2nd Year

 

Hometown - 

Brampton, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Music Performance 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

My dad played rugby in high school. So when I got to high school, I decided to try out and see what would happen for me. As soon as I stepped onto the field, I fell in love with the game and have been playing ever since. In that moment when the first whistle blew, it wasn’t for my dad anymore. It was for myself. Playing rugby helped prove to myself that I could be a competitive athlete. After many years of being the last pick for sports in elementary school, it sure feels good to be find my place in rugby.  

 

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

I love the culture that rugby has always maintained. No matter what’s happened in the game, the post game sportsmanship and companionship was unmatched in any sport. And to the point where we were going out for dinner and drinks after each match with our opposition. The bond built with your teammates is also unmatched. With each game we play, we're all focused to fight together until the very end unlike any other game.   

 

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 for me, the moment I knew I could play rugby at a higher level began at the point I started to play outside of school. It made me realize I could compete at a higher level. Not only was I standing out amongst my high school team, but also among other players that were pursuing the sport outside of their school sports.  

 

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

My fondest memory of being involved in this sport would be when my high school team went to Wales for a rugby tour. We got crushed the entire time we were there. But we learned so much and grew together to create a team that worked so incredibly well together. This is the same team that came together to win the Ontario Federation of Secondary Athletic Associations (OFSAA) rugby championship in 2019 - even after we thought we weren't even going to make it that far. With every game, we played like it was our last. We never gave up and never turned on each other. We laughed together, cried together, and celebrated together.  

 

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 dad has definitely been my biggest inspiration. He also played the sport when he was in high school, but gave it up to play football when he went to university. My dad has been my biggest supporter and biggest fan for every crazy dream I have had. No matter what, my dad helps me to believe I can achieve whatever I put my mind to. 

 

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

I think what excites me the most is having the privilege to continue competing at a high level in a sport that I love while many others often are forced to give up playing competitively after junior rugby is over. It is an honour to be chosen for a university team. Each time I step out onto that field, I am showing the younger version of myself what is possible and what I can achieve.  

 

 

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

Rugby looks brutal and aggressive and, while it is both of those things, it is also a sport that takes patience, strategy, and knowledge to truly excel. Rugby is a place for everyone no matter what. Especially for a smaller individual, contact sports can be very intimidating. But no matter your size, rugby is a place for all to have a chance to excel and to make a lasting impact.  

 

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 what to start playing rugby, I would tell them to never give up and go slow to go fast. It means you need to spend the time putting in the grunt work of learning skills and doing the repetitions. If you're patient in doing the work, the rewards will come.  

 

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 am always working on my pass and refining my skills so I can get the ball from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible.  

 

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 not worry about the risk of not fitting in. I would also tell her that you are going to play and excel in a sport that will not only give you a place where you belong, but it will also give you the confidence to excel in other aspects of your life. 

 

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

I do think it's important to create to-do lists and schedules and to stick to the lists and schedules that are created. Having said that, life does get busy and schedules don't always work because life gets in the way. Have the best plan and try to stick with it the best way you know how. But when life does gets in the way of your ability to follow through, start problem slicing immediately and decide backup plans.  

 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

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