First Year Feature: Selena Lancaster

The transition from high school to university athletics is significant. We're highlighting first year athletes from all varsity teams this season who are on the path to achieving greatness here at Dalhousie University.

This week we would like to introduce Selena Lancaster, a first year defender on the women's soccer team. Hailing from Vaughan, Ontario. Lancaster is studying science.

How long have you been playing soccer? 

I have been playing soccer for 14 years and I have only played for Vaughan Soccer Club.  

How did you start playing soccer or get into it? 

I started playing soccer at 4 years old. I always remember going to play soccer with one of my friends and we had to join the boy's team because there weren't enough girls signed up. I remember always playing soccer tournaments on the gross field behind the community centre that I now work at. It would be so hot outside, we would sit on the long team bench under the canopy, eat fruit and other snacks the parents brought and watch the other teams play.  

Did you play any other sports growing up? 

In elementary school I did track and field and cross country, and I also played volleyball and basketball.  

Who is somebody in the soccer community you admired growing up and why? 

My dad is someone I admired when I was growing up. When I was younger my dad was my soccer coach until I made the OPDL team. Growing up with my dad coaching me taught me many lessons. He taught me how to protect the ball, how to pass properly, to be strong on the ball, and many tactical things that I still use in my games today.  

What is the most memorable moment in your career so far?  

The most memorable moment in my career so far was making Team Ontario. I had the opportunity to play with some of the best players in Ontario, including 2 of my teammates. This was a key moment that helped me get recruited to Dalhousie.  

What made you choose Dalhousie University? 

When I came on my visit to Dalhousie, staff, students and all the members on the women's soccer team were incredibly nice to me. Back home I was a part of a team that felt like a second family to me. During my visit, I had an opportunity to watch the women's team play and noticed the same family like values throughout the team on and off the field. Another reason I choose Dalhousie was not only because of their talented athletic program but the school is known for their amazing science program. As someone who is very interested in science specifically Biology, I wanted to continue to expand my knowledge at a school known best for their science program. During my fall visit, I got the opportunity to tour the campus, and it was very beautiful. It made me admire the school for not only it's education but for it's beauty as well.  

How has the transition from high school sports to university sports been for you so far? 

The transition has been good so far. University soccer moves at a faster pace, which means you need to be fit and ready to play at all times. Since you're competing against older and more experienced players, physicality becomes a major factor, so it's important to be strong on the ball. Being part of a university team means practicing every day and taking care of your body by fueling properly, stretching, and staying hydrated. Staying mentally engaged is also crucial, especially because the game moves so quickly. Anything can happen, so you need to stay focused and consistent. 

How do you balance academics and sports? 

I balance academics and sports by making sure I use my school time wisely. When I have free time in school, I always use that time to make sure all my homework is done so that I can relax before soccer. Also, when I go on trips for soccer, I make sure to ask the teacher for work that I will be missing while I am away. It's important to stay on top of your schoolwork because you can easily fall behind especially when you travel for soccer.  

What are some of your interests outside of sports? 

Some of my interest outside of sports would include enjoying a good movie or tv show, I like walking and playing with my dog, I like exploring new restaurants and hanging out with friends. 

Any pre-event superstitions/routines? 

I always put my right sock before my left sock. I then put my right cleat on before my left cleat.  I make sure I eat 4 hour before the game so my stomach does not hurt.  

Favourite food? 

Greek Food 

Favourite movie?  

The Lorax 

Favourite warm-up song or current favourite song?  

Over by Drake 

Favourite professional athlete or team? 

Jessie Flemming  

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?  

The Bahamas