Singh eager to leave positive mark on Women's Soccer Huskies as ACAC career enters homestretch
While Fort McMurray may be considered out of the way for some, those that find their way here find something special.
Whether they make the Wood Buffalo region their home for life or continue onto another destination, the memories of their time in Alberta’s north holds a defining point in their lives.
For Harleen Singh, her soccer journey is set to enter its next chapter at the conclusion of this academic year. But before this chapter ends, she is determined to add to her experience and leave the Keyano Huskies Women’s Soccer program better for welcoming her in with open arms.
“It’s been my peace when things have been hard in life; it’s been that place for me to be myself,” Harleen said while describing her relationship with the game of soccer. “When things are hard, I can come to the field, I can come to my teammates and feel at peace, feel welcomed, feel at home.
“Ending it with an amazing group of girls is something that I think I’ll always cherish. Soccer is always going to be a part of my life; soccer is always going to hold these memories. I’ve been so thankful for the 20-plus years I’ve been playing soccer.”
A career like Singh’s in the Alberta College’s Athletic Conference doesn’t happen without a solid foundation at the minor soccer level, often easily passed over in the length of time one plays their sport and hones their craft. Her time there has led to what she’s accomplished in the ACAC.
Singh enters this weekend’s home openers for the Keyano Huskies tied for 25th in all-time goals for ACAC Women’s Soccer. She scored five times last season with the Huskies to go along with eight assists to finish fifth on the team in points. She’s also feature on the All-Conference team and won a full set of ACAC medals.
It’s not just about how many soccer balls she puts in the back of the net, but the growth she’s found in her decision to move 700 kilometers north for her final two years of eligibility.
“Everything for me has changed,” Singh said. “Played different positions, played for an amazing team in the South and now playing for an even better team in the North.
“Everything has changed from my mentality to how I handle conflict, how I handle setbacks; everything’s completely changed for me for the better.”
Her coach has also taken notice as the two have worked to guide this year’s squad forward.
“Getting to know Harleen has been a humbling experience,” Head Coach Tiffany Fontaine said. “From day one, she’s shown a great deal of maturity and a passion for the sport.
“She leads by example on and off the field, which is what every coach wants to see in a player. Getting to train and see her every week, she’s just becoming more and more of a leader as we’ve appointed her as one of our captains this year.”
There’s still very much a competitive glow inside Harleen that knows that last year’s results are the bar for her and her squad.
“The most important thing is to just pick up from where we left off last year and not to settle for anything less than that,” Singh added.
While they strive for that ultimate goal of hoisting an ACAC Championship, she’s found that peace and normalcy with her teammates. She also welcomes the responsibility that Fontaine discussed as ‘leaving a part of yourself’ with the program as newer players come in and today’s rookies become tomorrow's leaders.
“It all just comes down to dedication, commitment, and passion to the game,” Singh added.
The Huskies open the home side of their 2024 schedule Saturday, September 14 at Shell Place against the Northwestern Polytechnic Wolves. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:00pm with the rematch Sunday at 12:00pm.