EPISODE 03 – NADIA POPOV

A starting winger on the Women’s Rugby Team, a life sci major, and a leader on the Queen’s campus, Nadia is a busy student-athlete. After three years of training with the National 7’s program in Victoria where she trained full time, she is back with the Queen’s Rugby program and is making an impact both on and off the field.

As a teammate, Nads is someone that we all lean on and can trust that she’s always there to support us. Even though she may be a bit of a “Granny”, has an 8:30 bedtime, and probably knits and does crosswords in her free time, she is someone I look up to (and occasionally make fun of for her granny habits). I asked Nadia a few questions to get a glimpse of what it’s like to play a varsity level sport, what it takes to make it all happen.

What is it like to be a student athlete? What does it take to balance academics, athletics, and your social life?

Being a student athlete is busy but absolutely worth it. Balancing athletic, academic and social commitments can be challenging, but learning to manage your time makes it possible to get the most out of your student athlete experience. I write down everything I need to do for my week, including how much time each academic task should take so that I can still enjoy my weekend. I get as much done Monday to Friday as possible, and save weekends for relaxing and recharging.

A learning experience that shaped you into the athlete you are today?

A huge learning experience for me was my time on the national 7s rugby team. I took 3 years off of school to train full time, with a goal of making the Rio Olympic roster. The most important thing I learned was to be kind to myself when things don't go as I planned. I didn't make the final Olympic team, but I grew so much as a person and athlete by challenging myself in that environment, and I'm a better person for it.

What is the best thing about being a part of the Queen’s Women’s Rugby team?

The friendships I've made and having such and incredible support system. My teammates make me excited to go to practice every day, and I know they have my back off the field as well.

Advice to students looking to pursue a sport at varsity level?

Do it. Being a part of a team and the varsity community at queen's has impacted my life in so many positive ways. The stress of balancing everything is definitely worth all the memories you will make.

I am proud to call her a teammate and so thankful to have this team’s support with absolutely anything and everything. Teamwork really does make the dreamwork.

Love you guys, QWR forever <3