NAIT Ooks women's soccer player Sarah Moorji is making waves this season. Last weekend she set a new record for games played in the ACAC and at NAIT. She has played in 50 consecutive league games.
"It feels amazing to hold a record for both ACAC and NAIT. It is surreal to think that I have played in all NAIT Women's Soccer Games during my five years. I owe a lot to my amazing coaches, teammates, and family for supporting me every step of the way," said Moorji.
Moorji, the fifth-year Personal Fitness Trainer student from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta isn't just a dedicated player; she also has a passion for giving back to the community.
In 2020 Moorji created an online soccer camp for kids aged 4-15. The pandemic took a toll on everyone, and athletes couldn't train in the same ways they used to be able to; this was her way of giving back to the soccer community by making training accessible to everyone.
"Every weekend, the number of kids increased, and their love for the sport was so resilient," said Moorji.
In 2021 she created her second initiative in honour of her late grandparents. Moorji set up a fundraiser to support local individuals and those in third-world countries.
"The reason I did this fundraiser was to support those who do not have the basic necessities of life. Such as water, food, and basic clothing," said Moorji.
Everyone who donated was invited to a virtual soccer session coached by Moorji. She raised $3000 for this initiative.
Coming into the 2022/23 season, she wanted to do something extra meaningful for her last year as an Ook.
"Since it is my 5th and final year as a NAIT Ook, I wanted to incorporate someone or something that has influenced me in becoming a better athlete and individual! St. Edmund School allowed me to grow as a person and helped me understand what it takes to become a well-balanced student-athlete. Everyone associated with St. Edmund School is kind, caring, and accepting. Therefore, I knew for my last year, I wanted to dedicate a fundraiser to them. Every goal that NAIT Women's Soccer scores, I will donate a book to their library," said Moorji.
The NAIT Ooks finished the regular season with 30 goals, leading to 30 donations for the school, but Moorji decided to throw in a few extra because of her incredible accomplishments this season.
"Since this week led to a record-breaking week of 50 games for me, I decided to donate 50 books to the St. Edmund Library. I'm extremely grateful for all the support I've received for this initiative from NAIT, ACAC, and CCAA," said Moorji.
All of her initiatives have paid off, and this year Moorji has been nominated for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal for Sports. The medal recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to their province, region, or sporting community.
"I have played with Sarah in 50 plus games over the past ten years, and I couldn't be more proud to be a teammate of someone who looks to give back as much as she does," said NAIT Ooks women's soccer player Toni Burse.
The NAIT Ooks women's team is heading into the ACAC Championship this weekend in Lethbridge! Click Here for the schedule and all the Championship details!