STUDENT-ATHLETE STORIES: SU’S PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF

In his first year at U of T, he came to tryouts attempting to make the squad as a walk-on athlete. Unfortunately, Su was not successful in making the team in his first year and instead would have to watch from the stands. However, his determination only grew as he became more familiar with the school, the team, and the coaches.  

He returned for tryouts again in his second year, and made the decision even tougher on the Varsity Blues coaching staff. With a highly-competitive roster that would go on to win a third consecutive OUA provincial medal, Su would just miss the cut for a roster spot once again. But the impression he left on the team saw him step into a team manager role, which saw him assisting with team practices while still training on his own, without any guarantee of earning a spot.  

“In my first two years trying out for the team, I had doubts about whether I would ever make it,” described Su. “However, I think the reason I continued was that I didn’t want to have any regrets about my volleyball journey. I felt that if I didn’t continue, it would be a disservice to myself and all the effort I had put in over the years. Even if I didn’t end up making the team, I knew I would be content because I had tried my hardest and I just loved being around the team and in that environment.” 

Showing this level of determination and learning to balance all the demands that come with being a student-athlete turned into the vital next step of his journey. Su remained committed to the sport and the team, which made the decision an easy one for the U of T coaching staff in his third year. 

“During that summer after my second year, I chose not to go back to my hometown because Coach (John) Barrett gave me the opportunity to practice with the team. I was thrilled to have this chance and I trained all summer. When September of my third year arrived, I got a call from him (Coach Barrett). He told me he had seen the work I put in and believed I could contribute to the team as a player. I remember barely being able to contain my excitement – I was deeply grateful – it felt like a dream come true, and I was simply overjoyed to be part of the team.” 

Now in his second season as a member of the U of T men’s volleyball program, Su has not only earned the admiration of his coaches and teammates, but has also earned U SPORTS academic all-Canadian honours, recognizing his accomplishments as both a student and Varsity Blues athlete.