The UOIT athletic department has reached out to our alumni to see what they've been up to since graduating, where they are now and the impact UOIT had on them while here as a student-athlete. 
 
Each week we hope to feature a different member of our alumni and hear what they're up to and what they miss about their time at UOIT. 
 
This week's featured alumna is Nicole Zajac, who was member of the Ridgebacks women's soccer team from 2013 to 2017.
 
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Name: Nicole Zajac
Hometown: Mississauga, Ont.
Sport: Women's Soccer
Program/Year Graduated: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Criminology & Justice, 2018
 
1. What did you learn from your time at UOIT that you were able to apply to your life now?
• Commitment and sacrifice. Being committed to going to school and playing soccer is not enough you also have to sacrifice your time in order to be successful.
• Time management is a big one for sure having to juggle school and soccer was not easy especially since we trained every day and some of our weekends consisted of away games.
• How to write APA 6^th edition.
 
2. What were some of your most memorable moments from your time at UOIT?
• First thing that came to mind has to be OUA championships and bringing home the school's first banner and then playing in nationals and bringing home a bronze medal in 2016. We made history that year not only for the women's soccer program, but for UOIT as well.
• Going to Sweden with the soccer team.
• Preseason with Paul James.
• Dollar coffees from McDonalds, 50 per cent off Domino's Pizza and studying all night in the library.
 
3. What are you doing now that you have graduated from UOIT?
• Playing soccer professionally in Poland for KKPK Medyk Konin
• Starting in October I will be teaching kids English (Preschool-Grade 5)
 
4. What does it mean to be a UOIT alumni?
• It's a bittersweet feeling because the word alumni reminds me I am a former student. I really enjoyed the student life, but unfortunately that chapter in my life has come to an end. Now I take on a different role by cheering on the Ridgebacks on the sideline by following what is happening via social media. Even though I'm on the sidelines now, I still take pride in the Ridgebacks when they win as if I am still a part of the team.  
 
5. Who are the people who have influenced you most with regards to both your playing career and your life outside of sports?
• My dad is a big influence on me playing soccer. Growing up, my brother and I would go to all of his games and watch him play. That eventually led to my brother and I playing soccer Moreover, in a way my brother also plays a role in influencing me since he also plays soccer.
• My life outside of sports I would say my parents are my biggest influence.  I hope one day I could be half the mom my mom is. I really started to value the work my mom does for my family when I started to live on my own and had to take on the responsibilities of living for myself. In addition to, my dad also influences me outside of soccer, I learned what it means to have a good work ethic after spending summers working with my dad.
 
6. Are you still playing sports?
• Yes, every day. As mentioned before I play soccer professionally now.
 
7. What advice would you give current varsity athletes?
• Don't give up because that's the easy thing to do.
• If you put in all the work now, life will get easier.
• Cherish your time as a varsity athlete because time goes by so quick.
• Don't be afraid to pursue your dreams and do something every day that will get you one step closer to achieving your dreams.
 
 
If you, or someone you know was a Ridgeback, they can get involved by emailing christopher.cameron@dc-uoit.ca for more information.