After TMU — Sofia Paska

1. Why did you choose to study at Ryerson University and how did your degree influence your career path?

I chose to study at TMU for three reasons: It was close to home to be with my family. The basketball program at TMU, under the coaching of Carly Clarke and TMU has a great Early Childhood Studies program. I graduated with my Early Childhood Studies degree and a certificate in human resources. My degree taught me how to work with children of all ages, who I get to coach every day. My HR certificate taught me the skills I need to work with adults in more professional settings. 

2. What are the best parts of your work; what are the necessary evils?

The best part of being a professional basketball player is being able to play the sport I love as my job. I have played the game for over 10 years, and it amazes me that my consistent hard work has brought me across the ocean to play basketball for my career. It is also rewarding to give back and coach the local youth teams in the country I am playing in. I am seeing parts of the world that I never thought I would travel to. The only necessary evil about being a professional basketball player is being sore from the training schedule and games, but every athlete at some point in their career can relate to this.

3. What are some skills you developed through university that are applicable to your career?

Aside from sports, a skill that I developed the most from being at university was being independent. This skill has been very beneficial in my career. I have been fortunate and blessed to live with my mom and dad my whole life (my dad passed away in 2019). Once I started at university, I had to figure out things on my own. This was very challenging at first, but I got the hang of it. Being independent has helped me overseas because I am by myself in a foreign country, where I need to adapt to a new way of living. Living on my own, figuring my way around the town, getting paperwork done, as well as being thousands of miles away from family and friends, has been a major adjustment 

4. Transitioning from the life of a student-athlete to a professional can be challenging. How have you navigated that experience? 

Transitioning from a student-athlete to a professional athlete was very challenging at first. While being a student-athlete, if I was not on the court or in the weight room training I would be focusing on my studies. There was a routine and set structure on how my day would be being a student-athlete. My first year playing professional basketball, shockingly, I had a tonne of free time. As a professional athlete, my main job is to show up to practice/games, and coach the local youth teams a few hours a week. Aside from that, my days were free. I struggled trying to find things to keep me busy in a productive way and not just binge shows on Netflix (or eat everything in sight)! Every new experience provides you with learning points. Once I had my first year playing professional basketball under my belt, it was easier to prepare for my second year. I am currently in Ireland. I learned what worked for me during my first year playing professional basketball and what I needed to change in order to stay mentally and physically strong.

5. How did your varsity experience prepare you for life after graduation?

Being a varsity athlete at TMU prepared me immensely for my life after graduation. I am usually the one to stay inside my comfort zone, but as an athlete I was challenged on multiple occasions to step outside of it. Growth happens outside your comfort zone and, although I may not have liked it, it definitely helped me develop leadership and communication skills, confidence, higher self-esteem and the ability to work in teams. In my job, I now live in a different country 6 months out of the year. That alone is overwhelming. I encounter new people each day where I need to build relationships and work in team settings. I learned those skills being a varsity athlete and they have helped me be successful post-graduation.

6. What advice would you give someone interested in working internationally?

A piece of advice that I would give someone interested in working internationally is DO YOUR RESEARCH!! My first year playing overseas in Denmark, I will be honest, I did minimal research on the town that I was going to be living in. I was there to play basketball, but the city you live in during your time does make all the difference. I did not enjoy the town at all. No one spoke English. There were only 2000 people in the town and there was nothing to do. Experiencing the downtown Toronto life for 5 years while studying at TMU, moving to a small town for 5 months was quite the adjustment. Fast forward a year, I am now playing in Limerick; the 3rd largest city in Ireland. I am loving it. There is so much to see and do, and it is very close to other cities/landmarks to travel to.

7. In your experience, what are some attributes of individuals who are most successful in your field?

Three attributes of individuals who are most successful being a female professional basketball player and coach are: confidence, being a leader/role model, and being a team player. 

Confidence is something we females struggle with. Whether it be with body image, our athletic ability on the court, our role on the team or overthinking what others may think of us. But some of the most successful professional female basketball players do not worry about what others think of them; to the public eye you would believe they are “slaying it, and an absolute queen”. Sometimes in sport or in life you have to ‘fake it till you make it’. 

Being a leader to your team, using your voice on and off the court, is just as important. Being a leader means putting your words into action. If you are asking your team to work harder in a drill, then as a leader you must be working the hardest to inspire and motivate others. It is important to inspire your team, the people around you, as well as the younger generation. Lastly, being a team player. There is no ‘I’ in team. Working together is crucial for a team’s success. Yes, there are some players who may score more, and get more attention from the media but working as a unit, building relationships, and being the cheerleader to each of your teammates is what creates success.

8. If you could start all over again, would you change your career path in any way? Why?

I would not change my career path in any way. I have been so thankful for all the opportunities that basketball has given me thus far. Basketball has allowed me to create long lasting friendships and create a healthier lifestyle for myself. My career path has demonstrated the importance of passion, determination and hard work. It’s allowed me to network with individuals in other industries and create strong connections with them. I’ve traveled to different countries, met new people along the way. I’m able to coach and give back to the youth and the community, Most importantly, basketball has made my family, my friends, and myself so proud.