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

AH: I’m a final year student and I play on the men’s soccer team. My position is centre-back and my major is human kinetics.

MH: How did you first get involved with soccer?

AH: I started playing soccer at a really young age, around Grade 1, thanks to my parents. They were the ones who first introduced me to the sport and signed me up to play. What started as something fun quickly became something I was truly passionate about and really loved and became obsessed with. I loved being on the field, learning new skills and being part of a team. My entire youth was with Surrey United Soccer Club, where I had the opportunity to compete at a high level.

MH: Tell us about your favourite soccer moment.

AH: I’ve had so many great moments through my soccer journey, but one that really sticks out was the year we got to play against the University of Victoria at ThunderFest. The game was at their stadium, and there were over 3,000 people packed into the stands. I had never experienced anything like that before. Walking out and seeing a full crowd, hearing the noise from the fans and feeling that energy was incredible. Even though we ended up drawing the game, it’s the atmosphere that I remember the most. It was one of those moments that reminded me why I love the game so much.

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

AH: I am graduating soon and have some important decisions to make in the coming months. No matter what path I choose, my main goal is to continue improving and becoming the best version of myself, both as a person and as an athlete, because I still have so much more room to grow. Ultimately, I’m working toward earning an opportunity to compete at the next level professionally. 

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

AH:  I’m hoping to play professionally either this upcoming fall or at the beginning of the next year, whether that opportunity is here close to home or overseas. It will ultimately depend on where I’m able to earn a chance to sign a professional contract. Playing pro has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid, and I want to pursue it and play for as long as my body physically allows me to. I think also getting the opportunity to see different parts of the world through the sport I grew up playing is a bonus. Once I’m finished playing, I still see myself being involved in soccer. Coaching is something that really interests me because it would keep me connected to the game while helping it grow for the younger generation. I’m also passionate about fitness, so becoming a personal trainer for young athletes is something I would love to do as well.