Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/975060
24 WAC Magazine | wac.net Meet the athlete Victoria Folayan By Mae Jacobson, Associate Editor Victoria Folayan first experienced rugby during her freshman orientation at Stanford University. After being invited to join an informal match, she was hooked. She became an official member of the Stanford women's team during her junior year. She won two national championships with Stanford and eventually joined the U.S. women's sevens squad at the 2016 Summer Olympics. A WAC member since 2017, Victoria comes to the Club for yoga and to unwind after work. living fit meet the athlete / instructor insights C O U R T E S Y V I C T O R I A F O L AYA N Q. Tell us about your Olympic journey. A. Aer years of attending various camps, I was selected for the national team in 2009. ree years later, USA Rugby and the Olympic Committee implemented a training program in Califor- nia. I worked hard for a spot and was ecstatic when I was invited to join in 2013. I was in full-time training at San Diego's Olympic Training Center from January of that year until the 2016 Summer Olympics. Q. What was your full-time training routine? A. A typical week consisted of three to four strength sessions, two to three conditioning sessions, one speed session, and two to five situational training sessions. We also did daily morning warm-ups and prehab exercises and ended the day with recovery and cool-down activities. Q. What's your favorite part about rugby? A. Rugby doesn't discriminate. Anyone with curiosity can learn to play the game. Rugby teaches camaraderie, hard work, respect, and passion. e game of sevens is particularly fast-paced, making every decision critical. You really have to work together to make magic happen. Q. Are there any upcoming matches you're looking forward to? A. I'm interested in watching the Women's Seven Series play in Victoria, British Columbia, on May 12–13. e women's game is incredible to watch, and the amount of talent on the field is mag- nificent. is is also the inaugural year of Major League Rugby, and we have our very own Seattle Seawolves. Additionally, the men's and women's Sevens World Cup will be in San Francisco in July. Instructor Insights Jaime Waliczek | Yoga A competitive gymnast for the majority of her childhood, Jaime Waliczek grew up with a passion for fitness. When her gymnastics career ended, Jaime turned to other outlets to share her love of movement. A dancer and yoga teacher, Jaime is dedicated to staying healthy and moving for as long as possible. "I like to push my limits while also staying safe," says Jaime. "I hope that my students grow in their ability to learn more about how their bodies move through space." Jaime started teaching at the WAC in 2006. She took a yearlong hiatus to dance in New York City and returned to the Club in 2009. She also holds a master's degree in nutrition. Jaime co-founded Jerboa, a nonprofit dance company, and still performs. —Stretch with Jaime in Hatha yoga at 4 pm on Fridays. More on Jerboa at jerboadance.com. S T E P H A N I E W A R D