Recruited Athletes from the Class of 2022

Jessica Kim

As Hamber’s class of 2022’s high school years come to a close, doors to new opportunities are opening. For several Hamberites, these opportunities are taking the form of university athletics. Who are these committed athletes, and what did it take to get to where they are? 

Hamber students have committed to universities for a variety of athletic disciplines. Nina Louis (12) has signed with UBC Okanagan’s varsity women’s soccer team. Hazara Sandhu (12) plans to play field hockey with York University. Jessica Ng (12) has committed to UBC for golf. What these three athletes share is their experience, determination, and love for their respective sports. 

“It’s been a few years now where I’ve been eager to play with a university soccer team,” said  Louis. “I’m so excited that this dream has actually come true.” 

Louis has played soccer since she was four years old. She currently plays in the selects A division of the MWSL, British Columbia’s women’s soccer league. Playing against women twice her age that have a lot of experience can be tough, but Louis thinks it’s a good challenge. “I know it’s great preparation for when I eventually go to play at the university level,” she remarked.

Sandhu began playing field hockey in first grade. It was her uncle, a former national team player, who introduced her to the sport and inspired her from the beginning. She began to want to pursue university field hockey in grade nine. “This is something I really love and I could really see myself playing in university and further into life,” she said. Sandhu is a co-captain of Hamber’s girls’ field hockey team and a player for the Polar Bears Field Hockey Club. She is also involved with Field Hockey BC. 

Ng first started playing golf for fun when she was five. At 12 years old, she began to play more competitively. That was when Ng first started thinking about playing in university, and since then it’s been her aspiration. Because golf is an individual sport, Ng doesn’t play for a club. “I just go out to a course that’s close to my home and practice there,” she stated. 

As a multi-sport athlete, Sandhu had to make sacrifices to get to where she is. Growing up, she had a variety of interests, including soccer, basketball, and dance. “A lot of different activities that I loved I had to give up,” said Sandhu. “Training at a high level is very demanding.” 

Louis and Ng both say that they have no regrets, although the athletes had to make sacrifices. “I have zero time for a part-time job,” laughed Louis. The soccer player was still able to make time in her schedule for clubs and school sports. Though Ng had to skip out on some studying and time with friends, she regrets nothing. “It’s gotten me to where I am today and it’s given me opportunities I’m really thankful for,” she explained. 

Because Sandhu began taking field hockey seriously later than other players, she had some catching up to do. “I had to push myself by creating my own schedule to make sure I set aside time to go out to the field and practice,” she revealed. Sandhu would train privately with her uncle, focussing on her physicality and skill. 

Ng’s main obstacle was her mentality. “I think golf is such a mental sport and to be able to develop that skill has been really hard for me,” explained Ng. To overcome this, she’s been focussing on developing a more positive mindset. 

Louis, along with other athletes, had to face the recruiting process at the peak of Covid-19. Because of restrictions, she wasn’t able to visit many campuses, there were limited identification camps, and her club games were cancelled. These components can be crucial for universities to recruit new players. “To overcome these challenges, I took advantage of what was available for players,” Louis said. She participated in identification camps whenever possible, and played her hardest in games to obtain clips for highlight reels. Louis also attended multiple virtual seminars held by university teams to get insight into their programs. 

For now, all three athletes’ futures in their sports are unclear. Most do plan to continue playing; whether professionally or not. 

“I definitely would take the opportunity to play professionally because field hockey is something I love a lot,” said Sandhu. The field hockey player thinks not continuing with the sport after university would be an upset for her. 

“I just hope I’m successful during my university soccer years,” said Louis. If the opportunity to play professionally came up, she thinks she would likely take it. “Otherwise, I think it would be fun to just continue playing on a high-level women’s team after university,” she decided. 

Ng currently doesn’t plan on playing professionally, but wouldn’t cross it off her list. “I wouldn’t completely disregard playing professionally,” she disclosed. 

Hamber’s committed athletes have years of experience with their respective sports. With this experience comes lessons learned and advice for younger student-athletes. 

“Definitely don’t be afraid to take risks,” Sandhu says. She thinks she was hesitant to get into such a high level of field hockey and to get the necessary exposure to be recruited for university teams. Sandhu feels that she missed many opportunities, especially when COVID-19 hit. “If you want to do something, I think you can 100% do it, as long as you work hard. Put yourself out there,” she would like to advise younger athletes. 

“Start reaching out to schools and coaches that you’re interested in early,” Louis says. She thinks it’s important to make a strong and lasting impression and to show coaches what sets you apart from other athletes. “You can brag a little bit about yourself - like you would in a job interview!” 

Ng’s advice to younger athletes is to really enjoy the process. “I know people say time flies by fast, but it really does,” she said. Love what you’re doing, and take advantage of the time you have.