Julia Tuchscherer graduated from UFV in 2026 as a biology major and played on the women’s basketball team for five years. She currently plays as a centre for the London Lions.
How would you describe your time at UFV as a student athlete?
I loved my time at UFV. I grew up watching UFV basketball, women’s basketball, specifically. My dad is the head coach at UFV and my mom played at UFV as well. There’s always been that family connection. When I decided to come here, that was a big factor. My sister was also playing at the time. That connection piece was really important to me. From a student aspect, I really loved how it’s a smaller campus. [It] just makes you feel more connected to professors, or who you’re sharing your classroom with.
Did you ever consider playing another sport?
When I was younger, I definitely tried to rebel a little bit and go in a soccer direction. Then around 13, I was like six feet tall. So it was like, “Maybe you should go more [in the] basketball direction.” Then something just flipped and I stopped being stubborn, and decided to go all in with basketball. I’m really glad I did, because it’s brought me so many opportunities.
How’s it going in London so far?
It’s good. I’ve been here for not even three weeks, but it’s been good so far. [There was a] transition that first week. I’m not from a big city and I’ve never actually [lived] far away from home, but it’s been good. My teammates are all super nice and I love the team so far. We’ve just finished our second week of practice.
Are all the skills you developed at UFV helping you immerse in the routine and culture of a new team?
Yes. I feel like sometimes there’s a little misinterpretation of student athletes, that they’re just about their sport and don’t really care about school. I don’t think that’s necessarily the case. I think that [sports] help you with a lot of things that are important for everyday life. Like my time management: I’m going from an 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. practice with a lift right after, then I have to go to three classes, then it’s finding time to eat, and [being] mentally available for all the things going [on] in your life, the social aspect. You gotta find balance. Being a part of a team and going to university at the same time really teaches you time management, communication, all those important things.
Do you miss the dynamic that you built with your sister on the UFV team?
I got to play four years with Deanna. Playing with [my] sister, there’s that different kind of dynamic than any regular teammate. I think on and off the court, we got really close. We’re three years apart, so growing up, it wasn’t like we were super tight, but then going to university built that connection, and [we] helped each other through things like school, basketball. For sure, I miss it. I love playing with her, but I’m also excited to see what kind of new relationships I can form.
What are you most excited for in this chapter of your life?
I’m excited for everything, because everything here is so new to me. I don’t really know where I could be going in the future. Maybe I’m coming back here, maybe I’m not playing basketball, maybe I’ll play for five more years. It’s all quite uncertain. I’ve had stability for the past five years, [I’ve known] what I’m doing. I’m excited to see what’s coming next.
Is the goal a career in professional sports or are you thinking about pursuing something else?
I’m happy to keep playing basketball as long as I can. I’m [going to] work towards a master’s degree; I don’t know what it’s in yet. I’m just playing basketball as long as I can right now. I’m really enjoying it.
Is there any advice you’d like to give student athletes?
You gotta slow down and enjoy your time. I feel like everyone says it goes by so fast, but it really does. Then, once you’re gone, you’re like, “Wow, I spent probably eight hours a day with these people for the past five years”. I’m still good friends with everyone that I’ve played with, but it’s different, because you actually have to try to find new ways to stay connected with them. I think that’s the biggest thing for me: enjoy who you’re around and just appreciate the time that you have being a student athlete. It sucks sometimes, it’s hard, but at the end of the day you don’t really remember it being super hard, you remember enjoying every moment you had.
Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.
