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 Morgan Longley  

University - 

Wilfrid Laurier University

 

Sport -

Rugby

 

Year of Eligibility -

3rd Year

 

Hometown - 

Toronto, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Communication Studies & Digital Media  

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I was introduced to rugby in Grade 9 by one of my teachers. At the time, I was looking to make new friends and many of the girls around me we're wanting to try playing rugby.  So I decided I would try it to.  

 

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 about playing rugby is the fact that I am learning something and that getting better has made me want to keep playing. I also believe the rugby community itself has always played a huge role in creating my desire to play 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?

The specific moment that reinforced to me I could compete at a higher level happened when I won Forward of the Year at my rugby club.  Winning this award definitely made me realize that I could strive to play the game at a higher level. 

 

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

My fondest memory happened last year. Even though our team was on a losing streak, we had a key game where we pulled it all together and beat our rival school. It is a great memory 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 dad inspires me to keep going. He has played rugby through his life and encourages me to do the same. 

 

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

The competition and the team relationships are what excites me most about the OUA. It’s a high level of competition and the amount of time spent with teammates creates life long friendships. 

 

 

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

The socials that happen between the two teams are an interesting aspect of rugby. After every rugby match, the two opposing teams come together for a post game social. 

 

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 were looking to start playing rugby, I will tell them to be fearless and to take advice from everyone. Rugby has so many aspects and rules so the more tips the better.  

 

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 have just recovered from ACL and meniscus surgery, so I’ve been doing extensive rehabilitation and weight lifting to strengthen myself. 

 

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 always make playing sports fun. It never has to be anything more than that. I would also tell her to not let one bad coach ruin the sport for you. 

 

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 really well for me is to study with teammates. they understand more than anyone else how hard it can be to balance being an athlete and being a student. It's important to remember that you're a team on and off the field.  

 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

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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.