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It’s widely known that going back to university after a career change can present a sizeable challenge. For some, the love of sport adds another layer to their journey, allowing them to return to university competitions as a mature athlete after several years away.
This is the case for Alexandra Boulanger, the Montreal Carabins forward who explained that her return to varsity sport was due to a combination of circumstances:
The first goal was really just to go back to school to make the career change that I’m interested in.
Boulanger
“Once this decision was made, it was time to choose the university where I wanted to study. The kinesiology program at Université de Montréal has a great reputation, and I wanted to study in French.”
Boulanger, who previously completed a bachelor’s degree in commerce, says that it was after choosing Université de Montréal that she considered a return to varsity hockey, especially because she knew a few girls who played or had played for the team.
A significant challenge
For the former member of the Saint Mary’s Huskies, it’s clear that returning to school and to varsity sport is a significant challenge.
“It’s going well, but of course it’s a big challenge,” she says, adding that it would have been much more difficult without the support of her parents. “It’s not easy to find time for other things. I certainly had to adapt. ”
Boulanger also has to contend with a fact that can’t be ignored: her age. At 29, she’s one of the oldest players in the Canadian varsity hockey. It should also be underlined that the Carabins forward had to reinvent herself in her successful return to play.
“This is definitely a year of adaptation for me, since I’m on the fourth line with a very defensive role, while in my first university season at Saint Mary's, I was more of an offensive player looking to score goals.”
According to Boulanger, the level of play she experienced in her first years at university has changed a lot compared to the game she finds herself playing today.
The speed of the game and the speed of execution have really evolved.
Boulanger
Enjoying the experience
Contrary to what one might think, Boulanger claims that she didn’t feel any stress before the first game back, particularly because of the quality of her team's training camp.
“I couldn’t wait to be in a real match environment to find my place in the group!”
According to the kinesiology student, her life experience even gives her a certain edge over other players.
“I'm not embarrassed to go ask the coaches questions, unlike maybe a first-year player, who might feel intimidated. I think it makes communication easier.”
Still, being older doesn’t make Boulanger take on a big sister role in the team:
“I'm really just one of the girls and I'm probably the one who messes around and kids around the most!”
Not the only one
Although Boulanger's situation is unique, she’s not the only one in her position. Chris Corbeil of the Western Mustangs finds himself in similar circumstances. While doing his master’s degree in business administration, Corbeil decided to make a comeback with the Mustangs this season, five years after his first university experience. In his case, as if all that was not enough, he’s also captain of the Saskatchewan Rush in the National Lacrosse League.
Putting fears aside
When asked about the advice she would give other players in her situation, Boulanger says the important thing is not to be intimidated by the scope of the challenge.
“Often, people will think about doing it but will never try,” she says. “Sometimes just trying and not worrying about what others might think can lead to incredible experiences. This is my case right now and I’m so happy with my decision!”
Mathieu is a fourth-year communications student at the Université de Sherbrooke. He has contributed to the university’s campus newspaper, Le Collectif, and was an intern at Hockey Québec. Mathieu’s passion for sports and his ease with words motivated him to work in the field of sports communications.
Follow Mathieu on Twitter @MathRousseau
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