Hockey
For the past ten years, ice hockey has been more than just a sport—it has been a constant companion through life’s highs and lows. From playing professionally in Beijing to competing with a Canadian district team and finally to a U.S. boarding school, hockey has shaped me beyond the rink. It has given me unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships, and lessons that benefited me for life. It has become part of my identity.
As a goalie, I play aggressively at the top of the crease, relying on reflexes and patience to control the game. In life, I approach the challenges with the same mindset: proactively, creatively, and with resilience. The same qualities that define my athletic instincts—quick thinking, adaptability, and dynamic problem-solving—define my academic mindset, too.
Start of the Journey
In 2015, I joined the Beijing Women's Ice Hockey Junior Team as their goalie - a position demanding great resilience and leadership. Our team of 15 players, all from diverse backgrounds across the city, spent the next six years traveling together, training relentlessly, and battling side by side on the ice.
In Canada
In 2021, as my family moved to Canada in pursuit of better educational and athletic opportunities, I faced the natural challenges of cultural adjustment. Hockey became my unexpected social anchor. Through the welcome of my teammates, I discovered more than acceptance—I found genuine belonging.
In the U.S.
"A year later, I was admitted to NMH, a prestigious boarding school in Massachusetts. This new environment elevated both my academic and athletic growth, pushing me to refine my time management, sharpen my learning strategies, and strengthen my communication skills."
Yet, ice hockey exposed a significant gap in support for athletes—especially female athletes.
As I navigated my journey in hockey, I discovered a harsh reality facing many Chinese hockey players. In China, young athletes are often forced to choose between academics and athletics due to limited support, resources, and clear pathways for student-athletes. Many abandon their education early, and without an academic foundation, transitioning into other fields becomes especially challenging.
Motivated to support Chinese athletes in pursuing success both academically and athletically, I joined Polar Sport, an athletic recruiting company dedicated to helping Asian athletes reach higher levels of opportunity. Over the past three years, I have assisted nine Chinese student-athletes in applying to U.S. boarding schools, editing application essays, advising on cultural adaptation, and preparing for interviews.