Rachael Ousa is a prim and proper lady, who believes in delivering standard quality results. A self- motivated and result oriented spirit is what has seen her earn the Vice Chancellor’s award for the best sports woman at this year’s graduation ceremony, she also bagged a First Class honors award in Bachelor of Commerce – Finance major. These awards follow a long trail of similar recognitions such as: Academic Excellence Award 2010, Most Valuable player 2009, Most Promising player 2010, and to top the cake; Captain of Strathmore Hockey Ladies Team (Scorpions) 2014.

 

Rachael’s story:

 

• Who is Rachael?

I am a sports woman-which probably goes without mention. I am not afraid of getting my hands dirty when it comes to unearthing whatever I set my mind to achieving, a fifth born in a family of eight. Without forgetting, she wears a very large shoe size, as compared to most ladies, I wear shoe size 8.5 which I consider very large for a lady.

• How did you join Strathmore and what were your expectations when you joined?

I joined Strathmore through the Sports Scholarship.

My interaction with Strathmore University began way back when I was in High school- Pangani Girls, during a friendly hockey match with the Strathmore Ladies team. The then Hockey coach Mr Eric, loved how we played and through him, we developed a keen interest on joining and playing for the varsities’ team.

I soon joined Strathmore, and took ACCA. One thing led to another, and through the Sports scholarship, I got enrolled to the School of Management and Commerce; I pursued BSc. Commerce- Finance major. I knew what I was signing up for; – quality standards of professional academics and that was what I got. Am glad I chose to study at Strathmore.    

• How did you start taking part in sports?

Sports and Rachael go way back, when I was a toddler! I loved playing as a child, and when I joined school, I finally got to put my playfulness into productive use in sports. I was a sprinter, always winning in primary school athletics competition, however things would only get tough at the national level, since I would meet with fellows from Rift Valley. Am sure you can already tell what I was up for.

• How has your experience in the S.U ladies Hockey team been like?

 

First, I must commend the work that the team has put up in building what we have achieved so far. I have seen the scorpions’ team at its lowest; and it makes me proud to see the miles we have walked. The story is very uplifting!

 I joined the scorpions’ team in 2008, then, we were a team of 3-5 members. I remember I was just from playing with the Sliders Hockey team at the Kenya National Ladies Hockey League in the U-21 tournament in Egypt. I was so shocked, some of the members had never even played hockey before. We had to put in a lot of effort to reach where we are currently,

 I would have never imagined that we would build up a team of close to 35 members.

 

We soon started playing on the Universities’ league, bringing home the first position trophy in almost all the tournaments. Through a blessing in disguise, we qualified for the Ladies National Hockey League; we were the first runners up qualifying and representing the country in the African Cup Championships in Zimbabwe in 2012.  

 

• How is it like leading a team and what are some of the successes you have seen during your reign?

To begin with, leading a team is an exciting experience, nonetheless, the captainship tags along a lot of weight on the shoulders. This is because you cannot afford to make petty mistakes. Keeping in mind that there is no “I” in a team, a captain must make sure that each and every member feels like part of the group. So far, we have represented Strathmore University in the African hockey club championships in Kampala- Uganda this year where we won a Silver Medal.

 

• What were some of the challenges which you encountered?

 I must say that the going is good albeit a few sports injuries here and there, which the team has to deal with. They are annoying, since we have to keep on strategizing on who plays where once we have a lot of casualties.

 

• How did you manage to balance both sports and academics?

I have had to balance sports and academics for the better part of my life, which I think is a plus on my side. However, it is also not a cup of tea. I strongly believe in effective time management, and that is what I have lived on.

 

We wish Rachael all the best in her endeavors.