Jamie SarkonakFaculty: Physical Educ & Recreation 1
Hometown: Edmonton, AB
Team: Golden Bears Soccer
What got you interested in Kinesiology?
At first I was interested in Engineering, but I didn’t have my marks the first time I applied. So I went to upgrade. But then I realized just that like, if I were to get the marks I’d just be miserable. So I just went with a Phys Ed degree, which is a lot more fun.
When did you start playing soccer?
I started around three years of age, I think. My parents put me out as soon as possible — my dad played quite a bit.
What made you to decide to play in net?
When I was 10 or 11 I wasn’t quite good enough to be playing out, and there were no real positions set at that time. So I just got more turns playing net and eventually got really good at it. So I just didn’t play anything else from there.
What’s it like to play on a bigger athletics team?
It’s really supportive. You’ve got a bunch of people watching your back, but it also makes it really really competitive, which is something I like. Because there’s always 25 people pushing you to do better. So it’s a really constructive atmosphere.
How has being on the team added to your experience in university?
It definitely helped me open up. Because instead of just being with my first-year friends, I can walk over to my teammates and be like ‘Hey, how’s it going?’ I know a lot more people because I play soccer. It’s really great because now I don’t feel nearly as awkward in the halls.
Any favourite warmup music?
No, the team vets decide the warmup music.
What’s the best piece of advice a coach has ever given you?
My goalkeeping coach, his name is Thomas, told me as soon as I applied to the U of A — I was trying out — that if I were to make it my first year, I’m not going to learn how to play on this team. I’m going to learn how to train with this team. There’s a huge difference, because I can’t expect to keep up with the level they’re playing, I’ve never been at this level. So for the first three weeks I was exhausted, miserable. So Thomas just told me I’m learning to train right now, not play. So once I learn how to train I can actually keep up.
What are you looking forward to this year?
I’m really looking to keep training. The degree’s fine, but I really like the team. I’m looking forward to when the snow melts and we get back on the fields.
