Julia Boschetto was the last line of defence for the last
four years with the Laurentian University women's soccer squad.
The Lasalle Secondary graduate was a competitive and strong
goalkeeper thanks to her tall build (five-foot-nine) and great
athleticism. Boschetto was a key element in helping establish
the young Lady Vees program as a bona fide option for players
throughout Ontario. She was also a staunch supporter in the
Kick for the Cure event. Boschetto has graduated from the
sociology program and shared her experiences from the last four
years with Northern Life reporter Scott Haddow.
SH: How did the LU experience change you?
JB: It helped shape the person I am today, and the person I
will be for many years to come. I have learned more about
myself over the last four years, than I ever thought I would. I
truly admire and respect the program, and I am thankful they
gave me an opportunity to wear the blue and gold and represent
the pride and tradition on a home field, in a city I will
always call home, and an athletic program that will stay very
close to my heart.
SH: What did you learn about yourself over the years at LU?
JB: I learned anything is possible, as long as you put your
mind to it. Commitment, determination and teamwork are
key aspects that create a successful season, and this aspect
cannot be achieved by one person. As a LU athlete, you learn
very valuable life lessons that aid you throughout your four
years of university, which are simply the stepping stones to a
bright future that lies ahead.
SH: What made it all special and worthwhile?
JB: Being able to obtain an education while playing the best
caliber of soccer in the province, and the many opportunities
that the LU soccer program presented me with, such as meeting
new people that start off as your teammates and eventually
become some of your greatest friends. All of these elements
have created memories that have made a lasting impression.
SH: What was the highlight of your LU career and why?
JB: The highlight of my LU career would have to be winning the
quarter-final game against York University in 2004, in penalty
shots, which allowed us to compete at our first-ever Final Four
in Kingston Ontario. It was my rookie year and, after having an
exceptional regular season, we were definitely dubbed the
underdogs going into every match on the playoffs. After winning
that game, we had made our mark in the OUA and teams, players
and coaches knew that we were going to do everything in our
power to go all the way.
SH: What will you miss the most?
JB: I will miss the many friendships that I was able to make,
and the different opportunity and experiences being a
Laurentian athlete presented me with ... creating a family-like
atmosphere that surrounds you as an athlete at Laurentian. You
spend so much time together as a team that, for the first three
months of school, you know nothing else other than your
coaches, teammates and athletic therapist that you create a
special bond with. They truly become people that hold a special
place in your heart.
SH: Why is the soccer program good for local players?
JB: Other than receiving a great education and being able to
stay at home while doing so, the program is supported and run
by individuals who are passionate about what they do. They
continually strive to push young athletes to develop themselves
into one of the best players in the OUA, and a potential
Canadian academic scholar. The athletic department and
coaching staff make sure to develop a close relationship with
every athlete that wears blue and gold, by ensuring that every
athlete is, to them, truly second to none.
SH: Being part of the LU pride and tradition, what did it
mean to you in your life?
JB: Being part of the LU pride and tradition has been a
significant part of my life that I will always remember. I have
fond memories of my four years at LU, and these memories will
last a lifetime. LU is like a home and I know that, as an
alumnus of the athletic program, I can always return to a door
wide open.
SH: Overall, what was the toughest break you had to endure
in your time at LU and how did it affect you?
JB: The toughest break would have to be losing 2-1 to the
University of Western in the semi-finals of Final Four in
2004. Although we had lost to the best team in the
province it made me realize there was a very bright future
ahead for our team. We had proven to the big school a
small university from northern Ontario was going to give them a
battle down to the last second of every game. I believe
that after our showing at Final Four and holding Western to 0-0
till halftime, we made an impression that will stay strong for
many years to come.
