Still running and jumping
NSAC dual athlete Janice Cameron has a passion for sports

Being an athlete isn’t just about what’s in your feet, it’s about what’s in your heart, according to Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) dual athlete Janice Cameron. 

A fourth year Bachelor of Science student from Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, this 21-year-old’s heart is full of passion for two sports that have kept her running and jumping nearly her entire life.

“I will never give up my participation in sports,” said Janice.   “I plan on running and riding until the day I die.”

Janice participates on a varsity level soccer and equestrian club team at NSAC and has been involved in both sports since early childhood. 

Janice’s soccer career began at the age of eight and has included coaching teams in the East Hants District Soccer Association and playing on its house league up to U25. She has also  played on the NSAC women’s varsity soccer team her entire university career.

A wing midfielder, Janice loves to run and has been voted by her teammates to win the Hustle Award each of the past two years.  

“I have learned so much from our soccer coach, Claude Caldwell,” explained Janice.  “The one thing I will never, ever forget is Coach Caldwell saying ‘Want it more! You have to want it more!’  I love that phrase. It just screams determination to me. When I hear it or say it to myself it’s like there’s this will inside that refuses to lose. I hate being beaten in a foot race on the field, so I refuse to let it happen,” she added. “Yes, it does occasionally happen, but that just drives me more; to try harder.”

Janice’s love affair for horses began when she first sat on one at the age of 18 months.  At 10, she purchased her first pony and started regular riding lessons at Porter’s Equine Centre. At 13, she acquired her first horse that she continues to ride today.

Janice shows at local shows and is involved in 4-H light horse and Pony Club – obtaining her C2 level. She has been on the Equestrian team at NSAC for the past three years.

Janice began in the Novice Flat division and recently moved up to the Intermediate Flat division.  “One of the highlights for me was my first, 1st place finish at a university competition and our team winning Champion at the end of my first year,” she said.  Janice was also named captain three of her four years on the team.

“I’ve learned a great deal of patience and focus from my participation on the Equestrian team,” explained Janice.  “At shows we are given a randomly selected horse to ride with only a few minutes to get a feel for it ourselves. It takes patience to figure out what each horse and rider wants. If it doesn’t work right away I need to try something different.”

Janice likes to keep busy and is also involved in many other activities and organizations including being a Residence Assistant at NSAC for the past three years, a 4-H member and junior leader, Scouts Canada leader, Canadian Pony Club and coaching and participating in gymnastics and cheerleading to name a few.

Janice graduates this spring and hopes to complete a Bachelor of Education and eventually teach high school math and science.  Her summer will be spent playing soccer and well as showing her horse.

“I can never see me, at any point in my life not having a horse to ride or having the urge to go kick a soccer ball around a field,” added Janice.  “It’s part of my life style and what makes me, me.”