MH: What is your year, team, position and major?

DS: I’m a fifth-year forward for the Spartan’s men’s soccer team, and I’m majoring in international studies.

MH: How did you first get involved with soccer?

DS: My parents threw me in as soon as I was old enough to play, and I’ve been playing for as long as I can remember. Both my mom and dad played collegiate soccer in the States, so soccer was the first sport that my two sisters and I played. I loved it from the moment I started playing.

MH: Tell us about your favourite soccer moment.

DS: Having played since I was young, I have a lot of great moments. However, one of the best was this year when we went to play the University of the Fraser Valley away from home. Not only are they our biggest rivals, but it was a must-win game if we wanted to make the playoffs, and they were playing well at the time. 

We scored two goals in the first half and had complete control of the game until we got a red card early in the second half. Due to being a player down, they scored two goals and tied the game up 2-2. However, with about 10 minutes left, we scored on a set-piece and ended up winning the game despite playing a man down. It was super fun to play in such a high-stakes game and see my teammates dig out such an important win. 

MH: What are you most looking forward to next season?

DS: Although I am graduating and won’t be returning for another season, I’m really excited to see what my teammates who are staying can do next year. We had a tight-knit group this year, and I’m close with many of the guys sticking around. It will be really fun to watch and support them from afar.

MH: What does your time after TWU look like, for soccer and a career?

DS: In terms of my post-TWU soccer career, I’ll probably keep playing in the men’s league for as long as I can. I love soccer and want to play for as long as my body allows. Career-wise, I’m not sure exactly what I want to pursue at this moment, but I’m interested in working in poverty alleviation, journalism and teaching. I would also love to start coaching and give back to the game that’s done so much for me.