George Brown College is widely known for welcoming international students from around the world. In 2020-2021, international students accounted for 29% of the overall student population at the college. One student who made the leap across the globe from China to attend and compete at the college as a varsity athlete is badminton player, Ace Zeng.
“It was not easy to be honest, since I could not speak fluent English back then and was not familiar with anything around me,” Zeng explained. “As time went on, though, I got used to Canada.”
Zeng has an extensive background in badminton. So, when he heard about how strong the Huskies badminton program was and the quality academic programs offered at George Brown College, it was an easy decision for Zeng to join the GBC community.
“I heard about the great learning environment and strong varsity badminton team from my friends, and it is located downtown,” he said. “The badminton circle in Toronto isn’t big, so I heard a lot from my friends about how competitive the Huskies are, which piqued my interest.”
Zeng arrived at George Brown for the 2017-2018 season and from the moment he stepped on the court, he was hands down one of the best players in the CCAA. At the Provincial level, he won the gold medal in Men’s Singles, helped the team win the OCAA Men’s Team Champion, and was named the OCAA Men’s Player of the Year. He continued his momentum at the CCAA National Championship, earning the silver medal. Although it was a very successful campaign, Zeng believes he could have done better and plans on it.
“Actually, it was nothing for me because second place is not what I was fighting for, and I did not perform very well at that time, which was highly regrettable,” he explained. “But it could be considered as an experience for sure, to learn from mistakes and come back next time.”
The following season he continued his impressive play, claiming the OCAA Provincial silver medal, winning another Men’s team championship and being named an OCAA All-Star. He went on to his second straight CCAA National Championship and finished fourth in the country.
With the global pandemic, Zeng took the second half of the 2019-2020 season off. He is now ready to get back to work with his teammates with one goal in mind, win.
“We have to stay together all the time and get back our shape, skills, and confidence as soon as possible to be fully prepared for the upcoming tournaments,” he stated. “My goal is to win CCAA gold medal in Men’s Singles.”
On the academic side of things, he’s enrolled in the Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Culinary Management) program. He truly loves everything about it, and from the beginning, it inspired him to work hard and get better.
“The first two years were a struggle for me, but when I stepped into the degree program, it inspired me to stay strong,” he explained. “I very much appreciate my coaches, teammates, and our athletics department that continues to provide me with help unconditionally.”
Being a varsity student-athlete is very difficult while balancing academics, practices, weekend matches, and sometimes part-time jobs. Zeng makes sure there is a calm balance with everything.
“Academics is my first priority, with no doubt,” he explained. “In order to maintain my studies and grades up, my mental and physical health is automatically required. So, badminton allows me to alternate my studies, rest and sports in a balanced way.”
After his time comes to an end at George Brown College, he plans on getting a Masters Degree in the culinary management field. Being a Husky has truly helped him in his journey so far.
“A George Brown Husky is about always being hyper and passionate about everything. So, maintain a passion for our academics and sports to achieve our ultimate goals. That’s what Huskies do.”
