The transition to post-secondary soccer has been seamless for W.J. Mouat grad Madi Hendry.
After starring for years on the Fraser Valley Metro Selects and for the Mouat Hawks soccer teams, the midfielder made the jump to the Douglas College Royals of the PacWest conference in September, where she has fit in nicely.
The Royals, defending PacWest champs, sit in first place in the conference with a record of four wins, two losses and three ties. Hendry has done her part, scoring her first post-secondary goal on Oct. 2 against the Capilano Blues, and cracking the starting lineup for the first time against the Langara Falcons on Oct. 9.
"It feels really good to be a part of the team," she said. "The girls are really awesome there."
Hendry, who is following her mother's footsteps into the nursing program at Douglas, began playing soccer at nine years old, and chose the sport over swimming because she wanted to be a part of a team. Her time with the Selects was highlighted by a provincial win and a fourth place showing at the nationals.
She was also part of a Hawks team that reached the high school provincials for the first time in 32 years in soccer.
It's not just sports that fuelled Hendry, as in her Grade 12 year she was class president, and earned a pair of awards for her academic and community work.
She was awarded the Mr. Mouat award by her school, which is given to a student who excels in service, academics and athletics. She was also selected as one of five Metis Youth Role Models by Metis Youth British Columbia. Hendry said getting the chance to go to Ottawa with her school to learn more about her roots in 2014 helped strengthen her identity.
"When I was growing up I never really realized I was Metis," she said, noting her grandma would often make Metis traditional food. "It's nice to have a bigger idea and understanding where my family came from, I have more pride in it now."
Hendry and the Royals continue their quest for a title on Saturday against the VIU Mariners.
The PacWest Soccer Provincials run from Oct. 28 to 29 at Capilano University in North Vancouver.