Shake True Blog

Blog #1

Posted December 1, 2008

Hey everyone! I apologize for this being late, but like everyone else said, it has been insanely busy with exams coming up but I think I have figured everything out now and know how to manage my time.

For those who don’t know me, my name is Kaitlyn Dickinson I’m 18 years old and am in my first year with the Brock Badgers.  I am majoring in Concurrent Education Biological Sciences, which is a 5 year program in which I receive my teachers degree as well as my degree in biology. With that said, by the end of my 5 years with the Badgers, I’m hoping to be teaching math or science in the secondary school system. I live in the on-campus residence with two girls from the team and two other girls. It’s a really good balance having girls here from the team as well as the other girls, because that way I’m not always focused on ball. I have been playing basketball since the age of 7 with rep programs in Guelph and KW, and now varsity.

Coming to Brock was kind-of unexpected for me. I had always thought I would go to University of Guelph and study Biology, but visiting there made me realize that it wasn’t the school for me. I looked into other schools, and Brock offers a program that is not offered at many schools, which is the Concurrent program, so I don’t have to apply for teachers college once I have graduated, I am already in it. This really appealed to me because I have wanted to become a teacher since I was very young, and was very happy when I was accepted into this program. Second, visiting here made me feel right at home. It’s a small campus, which is what I really love about this school. I like the small school feeling, it made me feel very comfortable and since the day that I first visited I was so excited to do my studies and call St. Catharines and Brock University my home. Lastly, coming here in the summer and getting to know the girls on the team made me even more excited to come here. I feel that getting along with your teammates off the court is just as, or more important than on the court and these girls have become some of the best friends I will ever have.

I have worked with Shaker for a few years, and helped with some of his summer camps, some individual work, as well as participated in the elite program that he offers. Shaker finds your weaknesses and helps you to improve that part of your game. I improved extreme amounts with Shake, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am now without the knowledge and training skills he has taught me.

So far, in my first year on the ball team, I have the privilege of being a part of a building year, as we have 9 rookies entering the team this season. The vets are very supportive and help us gain the knowledge that is necessary to play at the varsity level. We are 4-4 in regular season, and will be heading to Toronto this weekend to play U of T and Ryerson. Although I don’t see much court time, I’m still learning an extreme amount from my teammates as well as my coach, who is supportive, and knows how to push each player so that they can play their best game.

There is a large commitment to the team, but you have to understand your priorities, school always comes first, and then basketball. If you have your priorities straight, then you will have a successful academic and athletic career in University. Personally, I am in a very tough program, as I have to keep a 75% average between five courses, as well as practice for 2 hours on weekdays, games on weekends, also complete personal workouts that we are required to do daily. It is hard to get settled at first, but once you get in a system and organize yourself, things just start to come easily. 

That is all for now, but I will keep you posted as the season continues!

Thanks guys and talk soon!

Kaitlyn  #8