Women’s Soccer
Getting to know your U SPORTS coaches: Bob Maltman, Regina Cougars
U SPORTS sits down with one key athlete, coach, and staff member of each U SPORTS athletic program in our interview series “Getting to know…”
- Name: Jade Samping
- School: University of Windsor
- Sport: Soccer
- Position: Midfield
- Year of eligibility: 3
- Program: Human Kinetics
- Hometown: Windsor, Ont.
1. What attracted you to Windsor?
There were many factors that attracted me to the University of Windsor. First of all, I was born and raised in Windsor, so it was always a goal of mine to represent my hometown. Secondly, human kinetics is a prestigious program at the University of Windsor and being a student first, it was important to me to get a good education. Lastly, the year before I entered university, the women’s soccer program made it the Final Four for the first time ever. With this being said, I wanted to make and be a part of even greater successes as a Lancer.
2. What’s your favourite memory, and your greatest athletic achievement as a U SPORTS student-athlete?
My favourite memory as a U SPORTS student-athlete was my very first game as a Lancer. As a rookie, I started in our first game of the season. As we walked out from under the tunnel, the announcer introduced the starting 11 of both teams. I vividly remember hearing “freshman centre midfielder wearing No. 3, Jade Samping” and at that moment all my nerves went away. I turned to my family in the stands and my coaches and teammates on the bench cheering as loud as possible. I felt this rush of excitement and a sense of achievement, and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.
My greatest athletic achievement as a U SPORTS student-athlete was being rewarded the Most Valuable Player of the women’s soccer team during my first season.
3. Where are you hoping your path will take you after university?
As of right now, I plan on completing my undergraduate degree in human kinetics and possibly pursuing a career in sport psychology or ergonomics and like many athletes, I hope to continue playing soccer for as long as l can.
4. Who’s had the greatest influence on your athletic career?
My dad has had the greatest influence on my athletic career. Through his hard work, dedication and perseverance, I have learned to work for what I want even when no one is watching and to never give up on my dreams. There are so many ways he has helped me facilitate my soccer career – he even works two full-time jobs and still manages to assist me with extra training and come to watch my games. He continues to inspire me to get better every day and I will be forever grateful.
5. Who is someone in the sports world, past or present, with whom you’d love to have dinner with? Why?
I would love to go to dinner with Serena Williams. Without a doubt, she is one of the most successful and decorated athletes of all time. She is also a great advocate for young female athletes as she fights for equality and promotes positive body image. Nonetheless, I would love to know her secret to success and how she turned all her hardship into prosperity.
6. What is your pre-game ritual? Do you have any superstitions/idiosyncrasies around preparing yourself for a game?
When getting ready for a game, I always alternate between my right and left equipment. I will put on my right sock first, then left sock, right shoe, left shoe and then I will lace up my right shoe before my left. This way I always start the game on the right foot!
7. What’s your go-to song to get pumped up for practice or a game?
I don’t really have a go-to song to get pumped for a practice or a game, so whatever’s on the speaker works for me.
8. What’s your favourite social media account to follow?
@NikeFootball (Soccer) on Instagram.
9. If you could try another sport, what would it be and why?
Despite only being 5-foot-3, I would love to play basketball. I used to play in grade school and high school and I really enjoy the high pace and athleticism it takes to compete in the sport.
10. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you as an athlete?
One time, I was running to go take a corner kick and I tripped over nothing and completely face planted. It was so embarrassing because everyone was watching, and I could hear people laughing at me.