Shanay Sangha
Age: 19 Hometown: Richmond, B.C.
Sport: Soccer
Team: Kwantlen University
When did you first start playing soccer? I started playing when I was five years old and started playing competitively by the age of 13.
Most memorable moments: In my first year with the Kwantlen Eagles (2009), we made it to the Provincial Cup finals and played against the undefeated Langara Falcons. I scored two goals and the game was tied 2-2 at the end of regular time. We ended up winning in penalty kicks and advanced to the Nationals in Toronto. We earned Kwantlen its first ever Provincial Cup banner.
Sporting career highlights: BC Summer Games (2004), MVP (2009) and Golden Boot at Matthew McNair High School Soccer (2008, 2009), Vancouver Metro Soccer (2007, 2008, 2009), Team India for Nations Cup (2008, 2009, 2010), Kwantlen University (2009) 4th highest goal scorer in the league (1st among rookies), BCCAA 2nd team Provincial All-Star, BCCAA Athlete of the week, Provincial Final Player of the Game and Tournament All-Star.
What do you love most about your sport?
I love the idea of playing as a team and always being supportive of one another. Soccer isn’t an individual sport; everyone needs to play together to succeed.
I also love how the sport has taught me life lessons that I otherwise would not have learned.
How do you balance your school life with your sports life?At times, it can be really challenging, but playing soccer for many years has taught me how to manage my time carefully. I have to be really organized, especially because I work as well.
How has this sport influenced your life in other ways? I am a lot more organized and punctual and understand the importance of time management.
But besides that, I have become much more social, rather than shy. I have learned to be a leader when needed and to work with others. I think I am a good “team player” when it comes to things like doing group work for school.
Who’s your support team outside of the game? My support team is unquestionably my parents. My dad has taught me more about soccer than anybody else and my mom is always there to support me before, during and after the game.
In addition, my two brothers have helped me become a better athlete by always kicking the ball around with me and leading by example.
Advice for aspiring athletes:My advice is to keep pushing and practising to get better. Go out and practise on your own or play with friends and sooner or later it will pay off. Always play every game like it’s your last.
Career goals: To eventually become a human resources manager after earning my degree and masters.
