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 Paige Hallett 

University - 

Wilfrid Laurier University

 

Sport -

Rugby

 

Year of Eligibility -

4th Year

 

Hometown - 

Markham, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Kinesiology 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

My dad played rugby growing up. So when I saw it as a sport option available to me in elementary school, I gave it a shot.

 

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

The rugby community is something that nothing compares to.  I wanted to see if I could keep going so I could continue to be a part of this amazing 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?

I would say that the recognition I received playing at the provincial level provided me with the confidence to compete at a high level.

 

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

I would definitely say my fondest memory is scoring my first ever try at Laurier.

 

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 would say my teammates push me to continue to pursue playing at a high level. It's because of them, I have chosen to take an extra year to continue to play.

 

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

I think what excites me the most is the chance to make memories I’ll remember forever. I also love to see see the improvements in myself and my teammates year over year.

 

 

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

It is tradition for both teams to get together after the game and have a social. Even with tackling and fighting against each other during the game, we can all come together and be friendly. That’s the best part of the rugby community.

 

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 was looking to play rugby, I will tell them to be confident in your abilities. And , tto know that one can’t play rugby at half pace, so go all out each and every time you play.

 

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 constantly go back to the small basic skills as these are the foundation for everything else. It's certainly not something you can forget ever  about. Especially in the game of rugby.

 

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 play whatever you love. If you don’t find yourself doing the sport for you, change it up and do what you truly want. That’s the only way you will have fun.

 

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

I try to take the time to plan out each and every day of my schedule. This means that at the beginning of each week, I write both a weekly and daily plan to ensure I get everything done in sports, school, and life.

 

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.