Luisa Reitemeyer

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Gina Walker, a 21-year-old exchange student from Switzerland, is spending her fall semester studying Tourism Management at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops. For Gina, soccer has been a lifelong passion and an essential part of her identity.

However, as a young girl, playing soccer wasn’t always easy. There were no girls-only teams in her small village, and she often faced teasing from boys on opposing teams. At the age of 16, she and other girls had to switch to a neighboring town’s club to play in a dedicated women’s team.

The challenges didn’t stop there. Gina’s team had to find their own sponsors for uniforms and equipment, while the men’s team were financed by the sports club. The girls often trained on an old field while the men had priority access to newer facilities. Despite these setbacks, Gina persisted and thrived in the sport she loves.

“I really like that soccer is a team sport that allows me to switch off from everyday life and release energy. But it’s also tactical, which keeps my mind sharp.“ – Gina Walker

Gina’s love for soccer began when she participated in a school tournament organized by the local soccer club. She grew up in the small canton of Uri and has been playing soccer for almost ten years. Together with some friends she started in her villages’ club mixed youth team, immediately found joy in the sport and even made it into the women’s team in her region later on.

Now at TRU, Gina continues to pursue her passion by joining the intramural soccer team every week. “It’s a great way to stay fit, meet new people and find a balance to the stressful university life,” she says. Even in a different country, soccer remains a constant that helps her feel at home on the pitch.

Sources:
G. Walker, personal communication, October 3, 2024