The transition from high school to college athletics is significant. We’re highlighting athletes from all varsity teams this season who are on the path to becoming great athletes at Dalhousie University. 

This week we would like to introduce you to Georgetown, Ontario native Maeve McCloskey. Maeve is on the women’s soccer team, and is majoring in commerce.

How long have you been playing soccer?
I have been playing soccer since I was ten years old. 

Did you play any other sports growing up?
I have Irish danced competitively from the age of three years old, I have won three National titles. After stopping at the age of 10, I began to take soccer seriously. Throughout high school I played basketball and volleyball for fun, but soccer has been by far the sport that has stuck!

Who is somebody in sport you admired growing up and why?
Growing up I always looked up to my older brother Eamonn. He was a competitive hockey player growing up and even ended up attending a prep school his grade 12 year. As an athlete, my brother gave 110 per cent on and off the ice. The amount of dedication, time and sacrifice he put into his sport was truly admirable. Watching him compete and learn as an athlete while growing up has helped shift my habits, making me a better soccer player.

What is the most memorable moment in your career so far?
The most memorable moment in my career so far has been winning the provincial final with my team in 2021. It had only been a few months since I joined the Caledon Cyclones, and in September 2021, our team had beat Burlington Force in the provincial finals in penalties after a 0-0 score after 90 minutes. This led our team to qualify for the U17 girls' nationals the following month. The amount of challenging work and determination it took our team to win this title is why it is such a special moment for me.

What made you choose Dalhousie University?
Growing up I have always wanted to attend a university far from home. Around this time last year my dad had mentioned Dalhousie. As both my parents had attended StFX, and my mother even played on their soccer team, this was quite funny! After visiting the school, and meeting coach Cindy and the team, I knew this was an environment in which I could grow and learn in. The atmosphere that Cindy has created with the team is utterly amazing and I am very proud to be a part of such program!

What are some differences you have noticed being a part of a Dal team compared to your previous teams?
The Dal women’s team feels like a family. The Dal soccer environment is different than Club soccer because you train, compete, eat, study, and go to class together. Plus, the Senior players on the team help guide you as we transition to the University expectations and lifestyle. The captains, Meg, Mo, and Hannah are valuable leaders on the team and have taught us that supporting each other is the utmost important part of reaching success.

How would you describe your time with the team so far?
I would describe our team as dynamic, ambitious, and resilient. Although we have a lot of fun together, once we are on the pitch, we demand hard work and effort from one another. Supporting and holding each other accountable are two important things during games and training sessions.

What are some of your interests outside of sports?
My interests include going on runs, hanging out with friends, and watching movies with my family.

Any pre-game superstitions/routines?
I have a few superstitions before games, but the biggest one would be that I always put my left sock on, then right sock, then left cleat, and then right. I also must listen to hype music on my way to the changeroom.

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken so far in your athletic career?
Leaving my friends on my club team in Georgetown and challenging myself to join a different club with more regional players would by far be the biggest risk I've taken in my athletic career. Making this decision really challenged and pushed me as a soccer player, as I was around girls that were better than me. This was a hard but important moment in my life that has helped shape me into who I am as a soccer player today.

What was the coolest experience you have had so far this year?
The coolest experience I have had so far this year has for sure been flying to St. Johns, Newfoundland with the team and playing MUN in back-to-back games. Being around the competitive atmosphere for the first time was both exciting and nerve-racking. It is a moment this year that I will not forget!

Any hidden talents?
My hidden (or not so hidden) talent would be Irish dancing! It may come as a surprise to people when I do it, especially when they have not seen it before.

Fast Fact Questions:
Favourite food?: Grapes
Favourite movie?: Any of the Pitch Perfect movies
Favourite warm-up song or current favourite song?: Eye of the Tiger- Survivor
Favourite professional athlete or team?: Messi! I love watching how he attacks and his ability to creatively distribute the ball
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?: On a beach in Hawaii