WEEK #27: ADESOLA A.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Adesola. I was born in Nigeria and grew up in Canada. I was around 6 when I realized that I wanted to perform. So naturally, my mom enrolled me in dance. I started off doing gymnastics and ballet. It was fun at first, especially once I started training to compete. However, while I was doing that, on the side I watched as my older brother started playing sports. He made it look so easy and since there were crowds at his games, I saw it as another way to perform as well. I began to do all four sports. I won awards in gymnastics, ballet, soccer, and basketball as well as ribbons for track and field. Once I reached age 13, my mom told me to pick one because the commitment was too much. Thankfully by that time I had already fallen in love with basketball. Ever since that day, I’ve played recreationally and for rep teams, however, the most rewarding level I’ve played at was varsity basketball.

What inspired you to participate in sport?

I’m a very emotional person. Besides being able to express myself through art, sports were one of my only other outlets growing up. The only places where I could be upset on the court, run my heart out on the track, and get as emotional as I wanted in my acrobatic routines. It felt like my emotions had a home.

Who is a role model to you? Why?

I have a lot of role models. However, there are a couple of women in my life that stand out when I think about my journey in life and the sports world. Firstly, my mother. Her work ethic is beyond compare. She exudes it in anything that she does and not only have I noticed but I’ve tried my hardest to emulate it. Even though she was not a full-on athlete growing up, she took her knowledge on it, elevated it, and supported me through every decision.

Another person that comes to mind would be my university coach turned mentor, Saleé Johnson- Edwards. The funny thing is when I first met her I automatically thought our personalities would clash. In many ways, they did and they have, but she has taught me how to carry myself with such grace over the years. I think in many ways her respect for the sport helped her coach me with so much patience. I would not be the person I am today without her and I would not have been the player I was during university without her.

What advice do you have for parents, coaches or sport administrators to encourage or improve sport for females?

My advice for parents, coaches, or sport administrators who want to improve sports for females would be to never put a limit on our athleticism or talent. There are so many female athletes coming up or even now who have not even scratched their full potential because they feel limited. I was lucky to be surrounded by coaches who not only saw my potential but amplified it. I think when that mentality becomes universal sports for females will elevate even more.

What is a quote that motivates you?

“My heart is at ease knowing that what is meant for me will never miss me, and that which misses me was never meant for me. “

I believe that quote is by Imam al-Shafi’i. I used to say it a lot before auditions, games, or just anytime I felt anxious.

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