Curling joins Thunderbirds Sport Clubs

By agmiu on February 29, 2024

After a months long application and vetting process, UBC Thunderbirds Sport Clubs (TSC) are proud to welcome competitive curling to its ranks, increasing the total to fifteen clubs across thirteen sports.

“The addition of curling to the UBC’s competitive sports club program is exciting and provides another opportunity for student-athletes to proudly represent the Thunderbirds. I believe the commitment, organization, and professionalism shown by the curling club’s leadership throughout the application process will translate to a thriving team both on and off the ice,” wrote Stephanie Jameson, UBC’s Sport Clubs Coordinator.

The Thunderbirds Curling Sports Club will begin competing in 2024-25 in the U Sports Canada West conference with both men’s and women’s teams represented. An additional team for each gender will compete on Curl BC’s circuit, serving as both a development and reserve squad. All teams will train out of the Vancouver Curling Club near Hillcrest Park.

The emergence of competitive curling at UBC can be directly attributed to the re-establishment of the AMS Curling Club in 2021. To date the club has supported both recreational and competitive curling endeavours – with the latter achieving notable successes including both men’s and women’s teams qualifying for regional championships in 2022. The men’s team placed third, narrowly missing out on a spot in the national championships, while the women’s team were forced into a late withdrawal due to COVID-19. Beginning in the fall of 2024, the new Thunderbirds Curling Sport Club will provide greater opportunities for intercollegiate and regional competition while the AMS Curling Club will concentrate its efforts on recreational membership.

Speaking about the transition, Amanda Wong, a member of the 2022 women’s team noted, “We have worked hard over the past few years to foster a curling community at UBC and are incredibly honoured to be stepping into this new chapter with the TSC program. We are proud to provide an opportunity for curlers to represent the Thunderbirds and share our passion for the sport with the student body.”

It’s not just success within the rings that that has led to curling’s addition to the TSC program, but also the continued record of student-athlete leadership demonstrated by Amanda and her teammates, including Troy Chong, a fourth year science student and member of UBC’s 2022 Canada West men’s third place team. Though the newly minted competitive curling club will receive some administrative support, an incoming executive compromised of elected student-athletes will be responsible for managing finances, travel, safety, fundraising, and marketing.

Chong is confident in the group that will take the club to the next level. “The future is bright for curlers at UBC and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the program! Having played curling for over sixteen years and now being able to represent my University playing the sport I love is an incredible opportunity that I am so grateful for. “

Follow the Thunderbirds Curling Sports Club on Instagram or visit their team page in the upcoming months for more updates about the team.

For a full list of UBC’s Thunderbird Sports Club, visit our website and follow us on Instagram @ubctsc.

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