Name: Poonam Sandhu
Degree: Bachelor of Arts 2015, Sociology
T-Bird Sport: Field Hockey (2011-15)
Current Profession/Employer: Head Coach, UBC Women's Field Hockey Program

Why did you choose to play at UBC?
I was recruited by Hash Kanjee the same year I started playing for the national team. I was grateful for the chance to attend University and play sports at a higher level, so I jumped at the opportunity. I was nervous but excited at the same time because not many students from my graduating class went to University right out of high school. I didn't think this was possible for me growing up, so when I was asked to be a part of the Thunderbirds it felt really special. 

Why did you choose your program of study at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I chose sociology because I am fascinated in the social constructs and theories that are so relevant in all of our lives. Pursuing a sociology degree helped broaden my understanding of how the world works, and why we function the way we do. I became more critical and curious and fell in love with learning. My passion for learning continued to grow and in my final year of school I decided I wanted to pursue a graduate's degree. I chose to pursue an MSC in Sports Psychology and feel that my sociology degree at UBC prepared me for this opportunity. 

How does your degree/major apply to your job?
As a coach, I am constantly challenged with staying up to date with the latest information to help develop our athletes. As a coach you need to be well versed in a multitude of languages (nutrition, physiology, medical, psychological, business, etc.). I believe that sociology helped me understand why all these areas are important for the development of an athlete. It goes beyond just the training on the field, because all these elements must be incorporated in order for an athlete to thrive. Sociology has also helped me understand why supportive environments are beneficial for individual growth, which is one of my main goals as a head coach. 

Favourite T-Bird memory: 
I have two. My first favorite memory was in my first year, when I travelled to Argentina with my new team. It was a great feeling to play in Argentina, a country that excels at field hockey, but to also learn about new  cultures and people was very exciting. My second favorite moment would have to be in my final year, winning national championships after a very long and hard battle to remain in the top 2. We had a short roster, multiple injured players and two major illnesses. We still managed to make it to the final and I was able to score the winning goal and seal the deal in my final year. It was a great way to end off my career as an athlete at UBC.

Favourite place on campus: 
I love exploring campus because you can always find a hidden gem, whether it be a garden, a fountain or a cute café. Thing have changed so much since I was a student at UBC, so my favorite spot continues to change.

Did you receive financial support as a student-athlete? If so, how did this impact your experience as a T-Bird?
Yes I did. As a Canadian athlete I received financial aid from the Government of Canada. This support meant that my family could focus on supporting me mentally. Although, my family had saved money up for my tuition, with three children it can be a struggle to financially support all of them. The financial support I received made a huge impact in my family's well-being but it also instilled a sense of independence within myself. Because of my work ethic and drive to be an elite athlete, I was being rewarded by pursuing a higher education and that was very important to me. The lessons I learned from that experience are still with me today, because I know if I continue to work hard good things will come out of it. 

What was your first job after graduation? 
I worked for the Delta School District with the community schools partnership program, creating out of school programs for students from K-12. I had a fantastic experience working for the school district, and am inspired to one day go back and volunteer my time for programs like this. 

What advice do you have for current student-athletes? 
Enjoy your moments and focus on the present. It's easy to get distracted by the stressors of the future and the expectations we put on ourselves. Trust the process and trust that the hard-work you are putting in today will lead to something amazing in the future. Enjoy each moment and remind yourself that you are WORTHY!

What's the best advice you can give to a student or recent alumni to help plan a career? 
Be patient and be willing to put in the work. As athletes we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to perform at our best all the time. When pursuing a career path, there are going to bumps in the road. Reminding yourself that this is part of the process is a great way to cope with any challenges that may come your way. 

Do you have a mentor?  How have they influenced you? 
Yes! I have had many mentors throughout my journey and they've all taught me so much. I gravitate towards people who have a positive outlook on life and genuinely enjoy what they do. I have never shied away from reaching out to someone, or asking for help. I think it shows a lot of strength when you're able to be vulnerable and ask for help. 

How and where do you find inspiration?
I am driven by a challenge and am always wanting to learn more about things and about myself. I never want to feel like I know everything. I am forever a student and love looking at the world through that lens. 

How have you used your varsity athletic experience in your current career/life?
Yes, all the time. My current role as head coach, definitely benefits from my athletic career. However, my job with the school district also relied heavily upon my skills as a student athlete. Leadership, communication and organization were among the few skills I relied heavily on during my time as a program coordinator with the delta school district. Especially when you are in a new role, having the confidence within yourself and your abilities, goes a long way. My student-athlete life really helped me value the skills I knew I possessed, and have continued to help me throughout my journey. 

Anything particular insights during this quarantine? 
I am making more time for self-care and enjoying the down time. When you have a busy schedule it's hard to carve out time for yourself. I have learned to wind down and take care of myself through the process. This just helps me become more productive and helpful in the long run!

What are your books/movie suggestions? 
Legacy by James Kerr is always a great read. 

What are your go-to songs and podcasts?
Currently I've been listening to a lot of R&B and slow country songs. I am still a student so these pair well with a study session. 

Can you share any new quarantine hobbies/goals? 
I've been experimenting with a lot of different types of dishes and focusing on my clean meals. I'm not a great cook but I've been learning how to make quick dishes that don't take a lot of time, and good for the body!

What question would you ask other T-Birds/mentors? 
    • What do you love about your job?

What question do you wish we had asked you? 
    • What does it mean to be a Thunderbird for you? – For me, it's Strong, Creative and Confident 

How can other alumni/student-athletes connect with you?
Email and LinkedIn are great ways to connect with me!