Women’s Soccer
Monday Morning Quarterback: Dinos claim Hardy Cup on last-second record field goal, Carabins and Capers claim soccer titles
Throughout the 2017-18 season, U SPORTS sits down with one key athlete, coach, and staff member of each U SPORTS athletic program in our new interview series “Getting to know…”
Name: Mia Cossette
School: Université de Sherbrooke
Sport: Women’s soccer
Position: Defence
Year of eligibility: Second
Program: Master of Psychoeducation
Hometown: Quebec City, Que.
1. What attracted you to Université de Sherbrooke?
I chose Université de Sherbrooke for two main reasons: my desire for independence, and autonomy.
I was on an identity quest at that point in my life, and I needed to find my bearings and discover who I was in a new environment. I knew that getting out of my comfort zone would be unbalancing, but not the toll it would take on a personal level. Université de Sherbrooke interested me at their open house. I discovered that this university town, perfect for lovers of greenery and fresh air, had many advantages for students. My program also influenced my university choice. In fact, in the fall of 2012, the Bachelor of Psychology program began allowing students to experience practicums every semester alongside various clients. With that, it was possible to have real-world experiences throughout the entire degree. So, after the open house, I decided that I wanted to pursue my studies at Universié de Sherbrooke.
2. What is your favourite memory, and your greatest athletic achievement as a U SPORTS student-athlete?
Since I decided to hang up my cleats in 2013, with the idea of living other passions, being selected by the Vert & Or was a great success.
Even though I maintained an active lifestyle, I had never played a high-level sport since my college years. And though I had experience in my youth playing in international tournaments and Canadian championships, my physique was far from optimal. I thought about it for a long time before signing up for tryouts. I was then reminded of my preadolescent dream of representing my university, living my passion. I finally signed up in August 2016, telling myself to live without regrets.
My best memory as a university student-athlete was the season opener in the fall of 2017 against the Université de Montréal Carabins. To put it into context, the Carabins had eliminated us in the semifinals last season, so we wanted to bounce back from that heart-wrenching defeat. One of our star players missed the call given her participation in the Taipei Summer Universiade. The challenge seemed big, but very exciting. During the game, every clash was physical and intense. Many yellow cards were drawn. We fell behind, but we finally managed to even the score. It was emotional for everyone, fans, players, and coaches. We started the 2017 season with the spirit of family and fighting.
3. Where are you hoping your path will take you after university?
I’m currently in my second year of my masters in research. I’d like to submit my paper next year to get my diploma and join the Ordre des psychoéducateurs et des psychoéducatrices du Québec. My final practicum takes place in a high school of adolescents with behavioural issues. This experience is super enriching and I’d enjoy working with this clientele long term, but there are many factors to consider with the job market, so I prefer to live in the moment and not worry.
4. Who has had the greatest influence on your athletic career?
Many people in my family have influenced my sporting career.
If I had to choose one person, it would be my father. He’s always been engaged in my activities despite his busy schedule. For instance, he was my first soccer coach and travel guide during a tournament in England. These adventures with him positively influenced my sporting career and solidified our bond. On another note, he always supported and respected my decisions. The athlete in me owes it to him for many reasons, like for his precious advice, his values, and his philosophy about this sport that he handed down to me.
5. Who is someone in the sports world, past or present, with whom you would love to have dinner with? Why?
Without a doubt, my choice is Georges St-Pierre!
I have enormous respect for that man. When he was young, he was a victim of intimidation, but with ambition and determination, he was resilient and managed to live his dream of becoming the best mixed martial artist. Georges adapts to any situation. In the ring, he uses his hands and feet, and nothing stops him. Outside the ring, he’s respectful with whoever his opponent is. To me, his athletic qualities, his versatility, and his intelligence make him the most complete Canadian athlete.
6. What is your pre-game ritual?
My ritual is quite special. It involves something my grandmother created to prevent cramps – a dose of mustard.
7. What is your go-to song to get pumped up for practice or a game?
Every season, rookies have to record a video for the veterans. Axwell Ingrosse from More Than You Know was one of the soundtracks to their video. Since the goal of this integration activity is to promote team cohesion, it’s been part of my repertoire since the fall. Otherwise, I like listening to rap for motivation (for example Eminem and Kendrick Lamar).
8. What is your favourite social media account to follow?
I would say Leonardo DiCaprio because he’s an exceptional actor, but especially because he invests in different projects that help our planet. I recommend his documentary Before the Flood about climate change and solutions to it.
9. If I could try another sport, what would it be and why?
Probably rugby because I find it intriguing. Two of my teammates play rugby and they fascinate me at every practice. They’re not afraid of contact. One of them plays defence and the way she protects the ball is impressive.
