Team captaincy is a role usually reserved for an experienced player. However, it was evident that Amanda Wong was ready for that role when the Bisons gave her the armband from 2015-17.
“I try to be both a vocal leader and leader by example, and always trying to improve as a leader in both aspects,” said the center midfielder. “I think that on the field is somewhere where I can especially be a vocal leader, in providing positive encouragement to my teammates as well as giving tips on how we can all become better players and a better team.”
It was also evident that even from a young age, Wong wanted to play soccer at the university level. By grade 11, the product of FC Northwest began exploring a potential career with the Bisons.
“I was interested, but it was too early for me to make any final decision yet,” she said.
“Early in my grade 12 year, my parents and I sat down with Vanessa and Gary to discuss the program and the possibility of me playing for the Bisons. Then a couple months later, I committed to the team.”
The 2017-18 season marked a high point in Wong’s tenure with the Bisons. Despite their exit from the playoffs, the brown and gold remained in tournament contention as the National Championship hosts. Playing a longer season than the Bisons were used to, Wong fondly recalls the thrill of entering a championship game for the first time.
“When nationals came, the one moment I will never forget was getting to lead the team through the walkout and seeing how many fans had packed the indoor complex. That was probably the most people I've ever played in front of, to be honest. It was amazing how much support we had.”
Wong even celebrated the opening goal in Manitoba’s memorable 5-1 win versus Guelph in the consolation match.
As a fourth-year player, Wong considers her experience in U SPORTS as an asset and is looking to pass that wisdom onto the Bisons of the future. She is also the most recent Bison player to have been selected to a conference All-Star team. She achieved this individual honour during the 2016-17 season and joined other Bison alumni who also earned this prestigious accolade in the past such as Desiree Scott.
“Being one of the oldest players on the team, I really hope that I can help and guide the younger players and prepare them for university-level soccer.”
2014: Recruited out of FC Northwest. Played and started in 14 games as a freshman, recording a goal and two assists. Was also tied for the team lead in shots on goal, with 15.
2015: Was named team captain for the first time. Played and started in one game, before tearing her ACL for the second time.
2016: Named captain for the second straight year. Played and started in all 14 regular season games, notching two goals and five assists. Was also named a Canada West All-Star for the first time, helping to lead the team to the Select Six for the first time since 2008.
2017: Named captain for a third straight year. Played and started in all 14 regular season games, tallying two assists. Was also awarded the team's Leadership and Community Service Award winner.
Personal: Enrolled in the Faculty of Science and plans to take the MCAT test to get into medical school. Wong has been an Academic All-Canadian every year she has used eligibility, with a cumulative GPA of 4.28. She has also been a member of the University of Manitoba Athletic Council (UMAC) since 2015 and won the UMAC Leadership Award in 2015.
