On the water with Nicole Sydor

Nicole Sydor knows her way around the demands that come with a full-time school and varsity sport schedule.

From September through April, she’s busy as a fourth year student at the UBC School of Kinesiology and a striker on the Thunderbirds women’s soccer team. In the summer months, she relaxes by slicing back and forth through the water on a slalom waterski.

Meet Nicole Sydor, a natural born athlete who loved playing soccer from a young age. Joining the Thunderbirds soccer team brought new demands of daily training that Nicole initially found challenging. She’s now happy to take these on because, in her words, she “loves the game and the team atmosphere.” Now in her final year with the team, she’s gearing up for “a different kind of busy,” and applying to UBC’s School of Nursing.

Waterskiing has proven to be a welcome break from the demands of school, training and the intensity of competition. “There’s no place or sport like this,” says Nicole. “You’re on your own out there on the water and you’re in control.”

It’s also a chance to spend quality time with her dad. “Looking back, I’m so happy he had patience with me, because I hated it at first. It literally took me more than 20 times to get up on two skis.”

The combination of soccer and waterskiing has benefited Nicole both on and off the field, making her physically stronger and mentally more focused. “Soccer is a team sport, but it’s definitely nice to get time to yourself.”

There is no doubt her proud father is also happy to spend time with her outside of school where the boat, water skis and family time are all that matter to them both.