The COVID pandemic has taken its toll on the Canadian health care system and included in this are the nurses. Right now, there’s a shortage, and they have continued to be pushed to the limit since early 2020. Huskies women’s soccer midfielder, Jennifer Seguin, wants to do her part to help in the future.
“I decided to come to George Brown college because of how the Practical Nursing program is so highly spoken of,” she explained. “My goal is to become a very knowledgeable and trustworthy nurse, and to continue learning over time with experience. Because of the pandemic, healthcare is quite overwhelmed, and the nursing staff is exhausted. I hope to be able to bring light as a new nurse and help out as best I can during these times.”
So far, her academic experience at George Brown College has been amazing.
“The best part about this program is the staff and the Waterfront facility. All of my instructors are very supportive about their student’s success. As well, the labs and simulation center are amazing and quite realistic which helps improve my skills for my future practice,” she said.
In her first season on the pitch, she had a great outdoor season, leading the team with four goals and being named an OCAA Central Division All-Star. However, the road to getting back on track was quite difficult for her.
“In 2019, I had surgery on my torn ACL. I had to take a year off from soccer to recover. As soon as I was cleared, I was only able to play a few games before the pandemic shut everything down. It was unfortunate timing as I was so eager to make a comeback, but I continued to train on my own to keep my strength,” she said. “Once we were allowed to practice again, I made sure to always put my best efforts in practice, especially the fitness aspect. I believe that my willpower to not give up helped me find so much success. As well, I had tremendous support from my family, coaches and teammates who helped push me to build up my confidence again.”
She was very excited to join the Huskies soccer program.
“I wanted to join the women’s soccer team because of the coaching staff,” she said. “Coach Tiger Fitzpatrick, Amie Lin, and Johnny Williams are outstanding coaches who treat you like family and are determined to help you grow as a student and a soccer player.”
After the team went 2-4 to qualify for the playoffs, Seguin helped the women’s soccer team make history by winning the program's first crossover playoff match since they rejoined the OCAA in 2013 by taking down the Centennial Colts 2-1. That experience will be one she will cherish forever.
“The highlight of the 2021 outdoor season would have to be winning our playoff match against Centennial College. We had a rocky start, with many of our girls injured and a fairly new team. But, as the season progressed, our team only became stronger and more confident with each other. All of the hard work in the practices and games paid off in that one game,” she said. “The best feeling this whole season was when Elisabeth [Virelli] scored the game-winning goal near the end of the game, and we all went running towards her screaming and celebrating. I couldn’t have been prouder of this team.”
The indoor soccer regionals for the Huskies happen on Wednesday, March 8th, at Redeemer College. George Brown is in a pool with the Sheridan Bruins, St. Clair Saints and Sault Cougars. The top two teams in group advance to the OCAA Indoor Soccer Provincials, which are hosted by George Brown College. Seguin believes the teams' growth during the outdoor season will continue into the dome.
“We had a tough outdoor season, but we never gave up. We finished off strong with a win over Centennial and losing to Fanshawe, one of the highest-ranking teams, only 1-0 in overtime,” she said. “We showed everyone in the league that George Brown is not a team to underestimate. We have something to prove, and I expect that we will continue to bring that positive energy into the indoor season.”
Despite the results this season, Seguin wants to continue to take the program to new levels during her time with the Huskies.
“My goal is to help build and grow the women’s soccer team and create more history for the team. I also hope to improve my own skills and continue to play soccer after college,” she explained.
Even though she’s hasn’t been with the Huskies for an entire school year, she already knows what it means to be a Husky.
“Being a Husky means you are part of one big family, and you never give up. As an individual, you are tough, but with the rest of your pack you are unstoppable,” she stated.
