WD: In the world of football, is there someone you idolize?
TH: My favorite NFL player has always been Ray Lewis. I have always related to his intensity,
commitment and love for the game.
WD: What has been the most memorable part of your life as a football player so far?
TH: The most memorable part of football has been making and playing on Team Canada. I set a goal of making Team Canada before I even set foot on a football field, which was obviously a
pretty bold goal to make in my nonexistent career at the time. Representing my country through sport was always a dream of mine and honestly it was something I thought I had run out of opportunities to do so.
However, thing that made making Team Canada the most memorable wasn’t actually being on
the team or playing in a game. It happened a couple months before the tournament. I had a
young girl reach out to me on Instagram who was currently playing on her high school boys
team. She mentioned how much she looked up to me, how much I inspired her, and the fact that
she wants to go down the same football path I have. I play this sport not only for myself but for
all the young girls who are playing, can't play, or want to play. This sport has a long way to go
and I want them to have every opportunity they can. To have her reach out to me was just that
little reminder that what I'm doing is affecting people positively. Football is such an
empowering sport, it is truly like no other, every body type, size and shape can have a place.
WD: What is your muse? What inspires you to do what you do?
TH: I am inspired by making a difference in people’s lives. It is very much the reason I work the job I work and live the life I live. Nothing brings me joy like being able to put a smile on someone’s face, or to give them something they thought they would never have or be capable of.
When it comes to sports I find nothing more inspiring than the athletes and teams themselves.
I’m always one for an underdog or for someone who has been told they won’t be successful. I
find it so empowering when people choose to not listen to the opinions of others and go after
what they truly want and continue to believe in themselves.
WD: And Finally, if you had a message you would like to send out into the world, what would it be?
TH: Be your best. Don’t settle for less than you deserve or that you are capable of. You won’t be able to do it all on your own, so sometimes that means asking for help, as much as you don’t want to at times. You can’t just wait around for great things to happen, you have to be the one to make them happen.
Photography by: Briar Rose Photography, Living Light - Fine Art Photography and Chelsey Ajensen