Zoha Lila

• Status: Uncommitted
• Class of 2025

Next Level U Statement

When it comes to my collegiate goals and aspirations, I hope to excel in hockey at a well-regarded institution in a STEM program, likely in engineering, where I can further my curiosity about the way things work. Overall, I hope to thrive both academically and in athletics.  These aspirations are what separates me from other recruits. My belief in ensuring I am a well-rounded person allows me to build a strong character in terms of leadership and work ethic, which directly translates to being a powerhouse both in hockey and my academic ventures. Besides my own desire for personal growth, I also hope to give back to my community and hopefully inspire other South Asian girls to pursue a future in hockey as well as academics.

With respect to my character, I have found ways to thrive in team-based environments using my leadership abilities to ensure everyone is positively involved. I do this by leading by example. While I may not be the loudest person, I compensate for this by demonstrating a strong work ethic during practice and maintaining positive communication in games when giving call-outs. Through my many on-ice experiences, I have come to understand the importance of respect and the power it holds in uplifting a team to be successful. Finally, I feel that my ability to sit back and observe others allows me to build on my own skills and fuel my journey in personal and athletic growth.

When it comes to academics, I have learned to understand the importance of time management and perseverance. The ability to prioritize tasks has allowed me to maintain a 94% GPA in the classroom and given me the freedom to follow athletic pursuits in hockey. Placing a high priority on academic success is important to me as I believe that this leads to a positive collegiate experience and a successful future beyond sports.

My success and growth athletically is the final component that separates me from other recruits. My unwavering commitment to growth and maintaining a strong work ethic has allowed me to overcome many challenges on the ice and become a competitive Junior A player. Overcoming these challenges to get to where I am today directly demonstrates the unrivalled perseverance, adaptability, and mental and physical strength that I bring to the table. I understand that hockey at the collegiate level is even more rigorous however, I am prepared to face these new challenges head-on and am excited to continue to grow from them.

Throughout my hockey and academic career, I was lucky enough to have had a variety of community opportunities that helped shape who I am today. It was always comforting having people around me who were willing to support and mentor me. I hope to one day use my success and journey to mentor the younger generation in the same way I was mentored.

In conclusion, I see my future in collegiate hockey as a continuation of my passion for the sport, complimented by my commitment to academic excellence. I am a player and student who is eager to grow and positively contribute to my team’s success on and off the ice. I believe my strong character and well-roundedness are what separates me from others and will allow me to make a long-lasting impact at the collegiate level.