Friday, 7th of October 2022
Celebrating Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week with Sophie Jackson
It’s Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week! 2022 has been a huge year for Team Morrison after claiming The Women’s Scottish Championships title in Dumfries this February. With the 2022-2023 season now in full swing, we speak to Sophie Jackson, Lead, about the importance of teambuilding , training schedules and external pressure.
This has been an exciting year for the team! How has your relationship as a team grown since February?
We have all been really enjoying getting to know each other more over the last few months since our Scottish Championship win. The team was fairly fresh back in February, so it feels nice after a challenging World Championships. We have a had a great period of time training together over the summer, and enjoying each others company.
The Scottish Championships, Dumfries. Photo credit: Jayne Stirling
Working alongside training as an athlete must lead to a busy schedule for the team! How do you ensure you all place time into building a relationship as a team?
With all 4 of us working outside of training, it does make us use our time we have together wisely. We take a lot of time to understand each other’s needs and what makes us tick. It is a huge strength of ours that we can call each other good friends. That really helps us in high pressure situations as we have each other’s backs, whatever it takes.
How does training and playing curling have an impact on your mental health? Would you say playing as part of a team can help with motivation?
Curling gives me motivation to get up and go on those wet and windy days (like today!). It helps knowing that you’re working towards your goals as a team, and it’s not just you there on tough days. Whenever you’re finding things difficult on a personal level, knowing you can still contribute to the TEAM really gives you a purpose.
What has been your biggest personal achievement within sport?
You could say the wins, but for me the best thing has been learning to understand and work with different people and personalities. It has helped me develop hugely as a person.
What do you feel are the main benefits of curling as a sport?
Fitness; mental and physical. And a whole host of other health benefits.
The Women’s Scottish Championships, Dumfries. Photo credit: Jayne Stirling
What would you say to any women and girls looking to get involved in curling?
Do it at full speed and never look back. Whatever your needs are; social, competitive, to be part of a team, make friends, fitness or to be part of a community. Head down to your local rink and ask how you can get involved!
