| For third-year Varsity Blues soccer defender and Rotman Commerce major Toby Richardson, this fall served as a culmination of all the work he had done on the pitch. Together with his teammates, the U of T men's soccer team achieved something that hadn't been accomplished in more than a decade.
Lifting an OUA championship trophy as provincial champions.
"It was the culmination of years of work, sacrifice, and belief from everyone involved in the program," explained Richardson. "Sharing that moment with my teammates, staff, and family made it especially unforgettable."
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Yet, there has been much more to Richardson's journey than just what he has been able to accomplish on the soccer field. Hailing from Carp, Ont, a small rural community just outside of Ottawa, the finance specialist has placed an emphasis on relationship building while studying at U of T. This has included within the Varsity Blues soccer program, but has also extended to hit Rotman Commerce peers. Spending immeasurable numbers of hours together, working towards similar goals, and battling through similar struggles – all of it has created lasting memories that have extended throughout his years at U of T so far.
"As of right now, I would still say my favourite academic memory at U of T was a first-year entrepreneurship case competition, not just because of the result, but because of the people I worked alongside," detailed Richardson. "Spending countless hours building a business, developing financials, and presenting in front of over 300 people brought us incredibly close. That project is where I formed some of my closest friendships in Rotman, and those relationships have had a lasting impact on my university experience."
These connections also opened up another opportunity to connect as Richardson became a co-founder of the Training Ground Summit. A financial literacy initiative, the summit brought together over 275 varsity student-athletes in-person to focus on education around finance, branding, and career development.
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As well, the U SPORTS academic all-Canadian has spearheaded an alumni outreach program with the U of T men's soccer team. This initiative connects current student-athletes with alumni for mentorship, career advice, and professional opportunities. Altogether, strengthening long-term relationships within the program to provide support for players both during and beyond their time on the field.
"Coming from a small town, choosing U of T significantly expanded my worldview. Being surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of perspectives has challenged how I think and pushed me to grow. U of T offers an unmatched combination of world-class facilities, academic resources, and access to an incredible community, all within the advantage of being located in downtown Toronto. The environment constantly encourages you to raise your standards and reconsider what you believe is possible."
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