When I first started applying to universities, I was sure I would pick somewhere known for its athletics. I once thought I would play in the NCAA, then realized U Sports would be a better fit, then finally ended up at King’s in the Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association (CCAA) — which I thought would hardly be competitive. I quickly realized that not only was I wrong, but I was about to experience the best team I have ever played for.
My year of rookies was welcomed with open arms. We were a team full of different personalities, but no one seemed to care. Right from the start, I had a built-in family that I knew I could always count on.
King’s isn’t known for its athletics program. In fact, two of the candidates to be next year’s university president seemed to have no clue that King’s even had varsity athletes. In all four years that I have played on the Blue Devils women’s soccer team, I have never seen a King’s student at one of our games who wasn’t a roommate or close friend of someone on the team. Being a King’s athlete is like being a handbook reading in Section IV of FYP; everyone knows you’re there, but no one cares to pay attention to you.
The weird part was being an athlete taking FYP. I became quite aware of the hostile attitude King’s students had toward us, which was most evident in meal hall. Sometimes it felt like that scene from Mean Girls, the one where Janis points out all the groups in the cafeteria. So, when I started to branch out from my exclusively athlete friend group, I was quiet about the fact that I played soccer. Looking back on this, it seems ridiculous. But I wanted to fit into the King’s student stereotype. Indulge in second-hand shopping, talk about philosophers I knew nothing about. I felt like I was living a double life.
Then another season rolled around, and I realized that soccer is part of me; it molded me into who I am today. Why would I try to hide that? So I embraced it. Was I jealous of people who had free weekends every fall semester? Yes. But not everyone can say they travelled to Moncton and back all in one day.
The only downside was sharing a bus with the men’s team when they didn’t shower after games … but at least they sat in the back.
I went through all the emotions with this team. I laughed until I cried, and I cried until I laughed. I felt anger and anxiety. I lamented the loss of graduating players. All of that alongside friends that I’m lucky enough to have for life.
After playing my final season in the fall, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting. I look back on my first year, trying to fit into two different communities, and how much I struggled to find my place. I chose King’s because, to be honest, I couldn’t get an offer anywhere else. It was not my first choice but it ended up being the best choice. I fell in love with the tight-knit community — and how everyone is gay (or at least strong allies). King’s allowed me to find a middle ground in both lives, and I am forever grateful for that.
