Perle Badohu – Contributor

Sports have always been a big part of our collective university experience. Whether it’s the excitement of game day, meeting new people at halftime or discovering a passion for a new sport. All of it helps make our time at college incredible and full of memories.

Photo courtesy of Bishop’s University Athletics

This is true from the supporter’s point of view, but we often forget to consider the athletes themselves – the ones who make us feel every win and loss right alongside them. To better understand their side of the story, third-year international student-athlete Marianne Boithias, a member of the women’s basketball team, shared what life is like for her on and off the court. She will be referred to as Zou – the nickname her teammates have given her.

Interviewer: How did you first get involved in basketball? 

Zou: I often went to my sister’s practices, and after a while I decided to start too. 

Interviewer: What made you choose Bishop’s and its women’s basketball team?

Zou: At first, I was supposed to go to another school, but after talking with the coach here, I realized that Bishop’s had everything I needed: a small community, a great location and the possibility of helping me improve my English

Interviewer: Can you describe what it was like becoming part of the team?

Zou : I won’t lie, it was hard, especially as a rookie. We must be disciplined, respect the hierarchy, but I didn’t see it as something negative. However, the benevolence within the team was always present, allowing me to get closer and create relationships and solidarity with the other rookies. 

Interviewer : What is your training schedule like throughout the year? 

Zou : Honestly, it depends on the semester, it’s always shifting. Sometimes we have to train really early, like 6 a.m., and sometimes it’s really late. But the more time passes, the more we get used to it.

Interviewer : Can you tell me about a typical game day? 

Zou : I wake up, eat a little snack, then meet with the team to review our strategies and the strategies of the opposing team. After that, we go to Dewies to eat as a team, then I’ll go back home for a little nap. Once my batteries are high again, I go to the Plex to get ready physically and mentally, then it’s game time! 

Interviewer : What is your best memory with the team? 

Zou : When we won the RSEQ Championship last year. It was à really big moment because it had been 21 years since the Bishop’s women’s team had won. Beautiful memory. 

Interviewer : How is the level of competition here compared to your home country? 

Zou : I would say that it is more about physical power here – being able to take the blows and really hold yourself physically. While at home, it is more a question of strategy and technique. 

Interviewer : If you had advice to give to a future international student-athlete, what would you say? 

Zou : Try. Try without doubting yourself. Don’t be afraid to socialize and meet new people. Everything you will learn here will only help you to increase your skills. 

Speaking with Zou only deepened admiration for the commitment she puts into both her sport and her studies. Her dedication is a reminder of why it’s important to continue supporting our student-athletes and their efforts they make to win for our school. Go Gaiters!