Sam Montazeri is more than just #52 on the field playing linebacker for the Laurier Golden Hawks football team. Get to know another side to this charming guy and you’ll see why we think he is more than meets the eye!
Name: Sam Montazeri
Age: 23 years young
Year: 5th year
Program: Switched 3 times, but General Arts
Hometown: Richmond Hill, ON
Relationship Status: Single and not ready to mingle
Favourite Quote: “Take pain and turn it into art, paint your masterpiece.” I live by this quote.
Photography credit to Kha Vo of Khavography!
How long have you been playing football? What inspired you to start playing?
I’ve been playing football for about 9 years. I was headed down the wrong path in my life; a lot of things weren’t going well. I didn’t have much guidance and I was kind of teaching myself. I saw a sign for football tryouts and I just thought it was my time to start a new path. I had never played sports before that.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Yeah, it’s kind of different, but I stare at a wall with a piece of tape on it that says “remember.” I sit there and think about my life and it reminds me of all the reasons why I’m here in the first place. I’m reminded of everything I fought through to get here and I want to show people that, especially on the field.
What has been the most challenging part about balancing school and athletics?
I think this lifestyle requires you to be accountable for numerous people. Whether it’s your teammates or peers, you have a certain level of responsibility to uphold. In the midst of all that, it’s extremely difficult finding time for yourself through all of this. Giving yourself space to collect your thoughts is a tough thing to come across; you definitely take it for granted when you’re always in crunch time.
Why did you choose Laurier?
I had a couple of friends that were headed here already and I came on a recruitment visit to accompany them, and something just felt right about being here. There’s an aura to this place; you don’t feel like just a student number here.
Where’s your favourite place to study on campus?
I actually usually break into the seminary at night because the doors are left unlocked, so I get a whole classroom to myself. It’s pretty peaceful.
Aside from practice and studying, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to write basically about anything that comes to mind. It’s mostly poetry or a rant; I’ve been writing since I was 10 years old.
Most embarrassing moment at Laurier?
Doing this interview (haha).
What’s your ideal first date? What do you find attractive in someone?
Super cliché but a movie date. It has to be a flick neither of us are interested in because I want to know what she would be like 6 months down the road, like if she would be honest about it. After the movie, probably go to a local bar for drinks, or to Demetres for waffles, depends on how the movie went. What attracts me to someone the most is their weaknesses, their values, their drive, and their passions.
Describe the most fearless thing you’ve ever done.
November of last year was a pretty instrumental moment for me. I essentially went from a complete downward spiral into complacency, to having a newfound belief in myself and in my abilities as a person. This involved football and my personal life. After the season ended, I was extremely unsatisfied because I knew it wasn’t our time to end; I knew I wasn’t done at Laurier. I was planning on leaving after the semester but I decided I was going to forgo that plan and take extra courses. I had a lot of work to do physically and mentally, so I bought a ticket to China in order to get it done completely on my own. I gave myself a week and a half; I was gone for a month, the process was rushed, the doubts were extreme, but when I landed in Shanghai, I knew it was time to push myself to new levels.
Photography credit to Kha Vo of Khavography
If you had the chance to live anywhere in the world for one year, where would you go?
Ireland, I feel really drawn to go there one day.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
My mother, she’s somehow managed to deal with me.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I think statistically speaking, I wasn’t supposed to be here. With what I’ve been through, what I’ve seen, where I’ve gone… my life was already decided for me. When I was 13, at the lowest point of my life, I realized I wanted more… so here I am.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given or given to someone?
Over the years, different statements have resonated with me. When I was younger, it was, “Be anything you want to be, just be great at it.” Over time it became, “Inflict your will.” With each chapter comes a new quote. Each one holds extreme importance to my life; “You need to learn to forgive yourself” is something I really like… but I think the most important piece of advice I’ve ever heard or given is to just be yourself.
Thanks Sam for taking the time to talk to us; it’s been great getting to know you. We wish you all the best this year and can’t wait to see you and the Hawks soar to greater heights!