VANCOUVER – When UBC field hockey star
Hannah Haughn was announced as the Sport BC University Athlete of the Year in early March, it put an exclamation point on one of the most successful UBC varsity careers ever. Haughn won five women's field hockey national championships in her five varsity seasons at UBC and the prestigious Sport BC honor prompted her into a moment of reflection.
"When you're at a school for so long and in an environment for so long, it seems like it comes to an end so abruptly," said Haughn. "Winning that award was such an honour and a little surprising, considering all the incredible athletes at the university level."
Haughn's varsity career may be over, but her field hockey career is continuing to move at a flurry of a pace. The dynamic midfielder is currently training for national team duty, as the Canadians will take on Chile twice and India once between March 22nd and 26th at Rutledge Park in West Vancouver.
"The next step for me is pursuing my Olympic dream. I'm really going to put all my energy into that and really work on improving as a player and a teammate over the next four years," said Haughn. "I want to make a big push for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020."
Life off the field hockey pitch will also see changes for Haughn, now that her studies at Point Grey are coming to a close.
"I'm also looking to start volunteering more. More coaching, more volunteering at a senior's care facility because I'm looking at working in geriatrics. I think my next step is seeing how far field hockey can take me."
With five U SPORTS gold medals, a Sport BC award and countless all-star and MVP nods, Haughn will need all the time she can manage to allow the last five years of her life in 'Blue and Gold' to truly seep in.
"My five years at UBC have really been like a dream. I sometimes feel like it's not quite real."
