By: Tam Nguyen, staff writer
Before this article, I was the amateur who wrote an introduction piece to SFU’s Red Leafs for beginners. As I’m not moving out of my sports amateur rank anytime soon, I consider this piece a sequel of this sport introduction series. So, without further ado, here are four SFU rookies in four different sports, their stories behind joining the Red Leafs, and their achievements so far!
- Tobe Ezeokafor — men’s basketball
Red Leafs basketball offseason signing, Tobe Ezeokafor, stands at 6’5. The guard from Ontario has an impressive profile traced back to his senior year at Fort Erie International Academy. From averaging 19.7 points per game to being named Game MVP at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam Tournament that took place in South Carolina, Ezeokafor is sure to bring lots of size and skill to the Red Leafs lineup. He joined the Red Leafs because the program “is more than just a basketball team. It looked like more of a family.” Ezeokafor is also interested in psychology and business at SFU. His recruiting profile indicates his high free throw percentage (80%), as well as his field goal percentage (55%).
An alum of Burnaby North Secondary School, Dariella Lopez is a 5’7 freshman striker for the women’s soccer team. She’s also a member of the Burnaby Football Club. Lopez played 39 minutes in the team’s September 9 matchup against Stanislaus State. The Red Leafs won 2–0, with Lopez earning a penalty kick after drawing a foul from her defender. In the team’s game against Montana State Billings on September 28, Lopez scored a goal assisted by senior Emily Smith. We’re looking forward to seeing more of Lopez as the soccer season continues throughout the fall.
Maxwell Corcoran is a golfer from Ottawa, Ontario. Before joining the Red Leafs, he won the 2023 Quebec Junior Boys’ Golf Championship after a close tie with his opponent after 54 holes. He won the championship off a tiebreaking par 4 performance. Corcoran joined the Red Leafs due to SFU’s “extremely strong academic and golf programs.” He also cited his desire to “stay in Canada and play NCAA,” something he can do now that he’s a part of SFU.
An outside hitter from Kitchener, Ontario, Megan Hawkins is a rising star for the Red Leafs volleyball team. Coming from “one of the top club programs, KW Predators,” she provides “a consistent presence in the back court” by taking care of serve receptions. Hawkins’ NCAA debut saw her execute 18 kills against Cal. State San Marcos. She’s excited to major in education and “being a Red Leaf.”
