Bio

Name

Tiffany O'Donnell

Hometown

Cole Harbour, NS

Sport

Women's soccer

Why did you choose to come to CBU?

When choosing a University to go to, I really wanted to go away, yet still stay close to home. Sydney is only a five-hour drive from home so it seemed like the perfect distance. I followed the CAPERS games through high school and was aware of their great record and very impressed they won gold at CIS nationals in 2007. I came for a recruitment trip and was instantly welcomed and felt very comfortable. The team aside, I was also impressed with the size of the school and how easy it was to transition into.

What is your pre-game routine and how long have you been doing it?

I need to start my game day by getting up earlier than usual and getting a really good, balanced breakfast. I try to be super organized to prevent any distractions. I like to blast my music and once I'm with the girls I think it's important to goof around a bit and get excited. When I'm too serious and focused I tend to over think everything and I find it negatively affects my performance. During the warm-up I love to make the craziest saves because I find it not only pumps me up, but my team feeds off it as well.

What do you do in your free time?

If I'm not at the gym in my free time, I'm with my teammates. Sometimes it's dance parties, other times we all just have a nap. The girls on the team have become my best friends and it doesn't matter what we’re doing because we’re always having fun.

Who’s your favourite professional athlete and why?           

I have a slight obsession with Hope Solo. I recently read her book and I've realized all she's been through yet still persevered into being one of the best female goal keepers in the world. She is a huge role-model for so many and her fame has started countless female goalkeeping careers.

What is your best memory from playing your sport?

I'm so lucky to have had so many amazing moments playing soccer. My best memory is probably beating University of Toronto at CIS nationals last season. It was my first shutout and win at a CIS level and I was so nervous I thought I was going to get sick. With close to 10 minutes left of our 1-0 lead, they shot the ball from the top left corner of the 18-yard box and it was curling into the top right corner. I dove as high and as far as I could and managed to get the tips of my fingers on it resulting in a save that my defender Allison (Bell-Davies) cleared. It had to be the biggest save of my career and I think about it all time. I remember after the celebrations with my team, I ran over to my Dad with tears in his eyes and I've never seen him look so proud.

If you weren’t playing this sport, what would you be doing and why?

I honestly have no idea. I thought about quitting countless times during high school when I would miss out on parties, dances and time with friends. Instead I was playing on four different teams at the same time. Club soccer, Provincial, Canada Games and the National Training Centre had me feeling burnt out and almost hating going to soccer every day. I'm so happy I stuck with it, it's made me who I am today and I've made so many memories and friends through it. I really have no idea where I'd be if I didn't play soccer. I probably would of stayed in Halifax, went to school and would of been a completely different person.

When did you start playing your sport? How did you get started?

I started playing soccer when I was five, but by “playing soccer” I mean chasing butterflies and picking weeds in a uniform. I didn't become a keeper till I was about 12 when I had to because it was my turn. I happened to be pretty good at it so they kept me in. Eventually I was recruited into the Regional Training Centre in Halifax and started actual keeper training with Gary Carter with keepers of all ages. I got better and better and ended up being called up on to the provincial team a year early and the rest is history.

What is your favourite place to eat and why?

I love eating anywhere you can order breakfast at anytime of the day. It's my favourite meal and I think it's totally acceptable for supper.

Where would you go for your dream vacation and why?

I've been wanting to go to Australia since I was four and found out what a kangaroo was. The warm weather and beautiful scenery is something I really want to experience someday.  

How did playing varsity sports improve your university experience?

I couldn't imagine not playing varsity sports. It makes me so sad that this is my last eligible year to play. Instantly you have 17 best friends that you get to see every single day and go through all the trials and tribulations. It's taught me hard work, what it feels to win, what it feels to lose, teamwork, leadership and time management. Being on a varsity team has totally enriched my University experience and I strongly recommend everyone take that route.