Humber sports superstars have jerseys retired

Three Humber sports superstars had their numbers retired in a ceremony before hundreds of supporters, ending their Humber athletics careers in style.

Joanna Alexopulos, Andrew DaSilva and Landis Doyle became part of only 26 players honoured by having their jerseys retired in a special ceremony held between the men's and women's volleyball games against Niagara College on February 9.

With Humber president John Davies, athletics director Doug Fox, numerous other Humber personnel, and family and friends on hand, the players were given special recognition for their sterling contributions to Humber sports teams. While the numbers will still be in use due to jersey requirements for different sports, banners with their names and numbers will hang in the Humber Athletics Centre.

Alexopulos, a cosmetic management student, came to Humber in 2007, after leaving a year into a full scholarship for soccer in the U.S. It is a decision she is thrilled that she made.

"It means a lot to me," said an emotional Alexopulos of being honoured. "I love everybody here and I'm so happy I came here."

She is uncertain what it will feel like when she is no longer part of the team.

"Honestly, I think the best part is all the friends I made," Alexopulos, who is only the second women's player to get her jersey retired, said. "My teammates are not just teammates. They're my family."

Alexopulos also contributed to men's soccer, convincing fellow honouree Andrew DaSilva to attend Humber when he was looking to transfer from York University. DaSilva knew on his first visit to Humber that it was the school for him.

"I think the highlight of my Humber career was coming to Humber," he said. "This place is amazing. Look what they do for you. We're not professional athletes or anything like that. But they do all this stuff just to show their appreciation for what we do, and it's unbelievable."

The fitness and health promotion student said that the jersey retirement is not just a personal honour.

"I would have loved to have thanked my parents, my brother, my friends, my teammates," he said. "They are the biggest reasons why I'm getting my jersey retired."

For Doyle, her volleyball team is something she will deeply miss next year at Humber. With all her sports eligibility used up at the end of this year, she broke two OCAA records, for most points and most aces, and is leading an undefeated Humber team to the playoffs.

"I love being on this team. These girls are like my sisters," said the humble third-year graphics design student. "It's such an honour to have my jersey retired."

In the end, it was Alexopulos who spoke for the three athletes to the large crowd.

"Thank you for being our number one fans," she said. "We know how busy you must be and the fact that you take the time to support us means so much."


Visit Humber Athletics for more information: http://athletics.humber.ca/

Photograph credit: Jes Raymond

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[humberlive]

@trudybom Did you sign up to become a Humber Hawk Varsity athlete? Check out the Humber Athletics page to register.

[trudybom]

i can't wait to go to humber next year :D

hope i make the team >.<