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 Tasha Cory 

University - 

Wilfrid Laurier University

 

Sport -

Rugby

 

Year of Eligibility -

3rd Year

 

Hometown - 

Toronto, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Kinesiology 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I first got involved during high school. I was in grade 9 and a bunch of the girls I was hanging out with decided rugby looked kinda cool to play.  

 

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

What I love about rugby is the physical aspect of the sport along with the strategical components. Playing a higher level of rugby means requiring higher level of game IQ and this is what really interests me.   

 

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?

A specific moment that stands out for me is the first time I got drafted onto a tournament team right from high school. Having the opportunity to play in provincials made me believe that I could compete at the next level.  

 

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

I think the the best moments happen when you're close to the end of a hard fought game, everyone has been working hard to play well together and the victory is so close to being accomplished. 

 

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?

While my coaches inspire me to continue playing rugby throughout my life, it's my teammates who are the people who really motivate me to give 110% every single day. 

 

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 level of play required to to compete in the OUA. It always makes me inspired. 

 

 

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

One unique aspect of rugby is the relationship players have with the referees.  I would say it's completely different from other sports in terms of the level of respect shared between the player and the referee.  

 

If someone else was looking to start playing your sport, what one piece of advice would you give them to get them started?

I think if i knew someone who was looking to start playing rugby, I would tell them to hit low. I'm not a naturally large person, so my ability to tackle big people is most effective when I hit low. 

 

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.)?

One aspect I continuously try to improve upon is my endurance. If my endurance is off, then my ability to be on the field for 80 minutes becomes exceedlingly more challenging. 

 

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 let your small figure hold you back. Your technique will take you so much further than your size when you're playing rugby. 

 

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

I think it's important to maintain open communications with those around you so that you are able to talk about things that might be happening outside of rugby. I also find that it helps you to develop closer relationships and helps you to better understand the ways you prefer to communicate.  

 

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.