Throughout her life, Tsuki Tsuzuki has sought to find joy in everything she does. 

Whether it's playing basketball, spending time outdoors, or simply being with her friends and family, Tsuki has always found a way to keep herself motivated and inspired.

That joy and passion have led her to become a high-level basketball player, bursting onto the Canada West conference scene as a rookie point guard for the UBC Okanagan Heat this past season.

Her success last year was a culmination of a lifetime of hard work and commitment to the game.

"I've always been a competitive and driven player, so whenever I feel burnt out or unsure if I want to keep going, I remind myself to always come back to the reason I play, and to just have fun with it," Tsuki said.

"It's that joy and passion that keeps me motivated to pursue my sport at such a high level."

Driven by Family

Tsuki's love for basketball began at an early age, with three older siblings who all played the sport. She would watch them compete and get dragged along to all their tournaments, practices, and games.

"I couldn't wait to start playing instead of just watching," she said. "I was so eager to start playing that my parents put me into a local community basketball league, where I first started playing competitively."

Tsuki's family has always been a driving force in her life, pushing her to be the best version of herself both on and off the court.

"My family has always been my biggest support system," she said. "They've always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself, and have given me the confidence to take on any challenge head-on."

From Calgary to Kelowna

Tsuki's journey to UBC Okanagan wasn't an easy one. She grew up in Calgary and played for Develop basketball, where her coach played a significant role in her development as a player and person.

"My coach was a large influence in my career as he always threw challenges at me in order to help me grow," she said. "He taught me the importance of discipline, working hard, and betting on myself."

When it came time to choose a university, Tsuki knew that UBC Okanagan was the right fit for her. The opportunity to learn from head coach Bobby Mitchell and be a part of a program on the rise was too good to pass up.

"Coach Bobby pushes you to be the best version of yourself every day, but he also finds a way to have fun and make sure you're enjoying the game," she said. "Playing for him and this team has been a huge blessing."
 
A Rookie Sensation

In her first season with the Heat, Tsuki made an immediate impact. Starting in all 20 games, she averaged 26.4 minutes per contest and finished as the team's second-leading scorer with 9.6 points per game. Her impressive numbers led to her being named to the Canada West All-Rookie team.

"The recognition meant a lot to me because I felt like the award not only celebrated me but also all my teammates, coaches, staff, and God, who supported me along the way this year," she said.

"I really wouldn't have been able to get where I am without my teammates, who put so much trust in a rookie point guard and gave me guidance and advice along the way."

Tsuki's success on the court is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the support of those around her. As she looks to build on her impressive rookie campaign, she remains focused on enjoying the journey and finding joy in every moment.

"I feel like this award was truly a reflection of the people who continue to support me on my journey," she said. "Although the award had my name recognized, there was so much more behind the scenes that went into it."

With her family, coaches, and teammates by her side, Tsuki is ready to continue making an impact for the Heat and take her game to even greater heights.