Name: Tayla Westgard
Degree & Year: Bachelor of Kinesiology 2014 (Health & Optimization) and Master of Management 2016 - Sauder School of Business
Current Profession/Employer: Beech Westgard Developments (project manager) and Royal LePage Westgard Realty (realtor)

Why did you choose to study/play at UBC?
I always knew I wanted to stay in BC, and also knew I always wanted to play ball at university. UBC was the perfect fit!

Favourite T-Bird memory: 
Game wise - probably my final year of eligibility (2013) when we knocked out the No. 1 team at Regionals. 
All around – all the bus trips, laughs and TAC events with my teammates! 

Favourite place on campus: 
The Pit!

What was your first job after graduation? 
I worked for a HIV diagnostics company in Richmond for a year before applying for my Master of Management degree. 

What advice do you have for current student-athletes? 
Appreciate each and every game and practice you are able to attend. Before you know it your body won't work as well anymore.. haha! 

What's the best advice you can give to a student or recent alumni to help plan a career?
Network! Informational interviews, get to know different people and put yourself out there. 

How have you used your varsity athletic experience in your current career/life?
I think being a varsity athlete gives you a one up on bringing teamwork and great social skills to any career. I've learned most careers involve a lot of networking and getting to know people, and being a varsity athlete and having the ability to work well together and with different groups of people has been very helpful. 

What are your books/movie suggestions? 
I love crime books… David Baldacci, James Patterson, and just read the Alice Network which I really enjoyed.

What are your go-to songs and podcasts?
Any country song! And I'm very into any crime podcast… Serial and Dirty John were both really good! 

Can you share any new quarantine hobbies/goals? 
Biking… just purchased an electric bike and am trying to drive less and bike more! 
I've also been reading a lot more & just trying to get outside for walks as much as I can!

What question would you ask other T-Birds/mentors? 
What would you do different if you had your eligibility back again? 

How can other alumni/student-athletes connect with you?
LinkedIn