Meet WILWÍ MI, EH (Sakora Morris), a proud member of the Tsartlip First Nation and a rising soccer star who is just weeks away from making her lifelong dream a reality!
“It’s always been my dream… When I was younger, I always wanted to be a pro soccer player, so having the opportunity to be recruited to go play in the UK is one of my biggest accomplishments.”
Learn more about Sakora’s journey and the support from her family and community that helped her achieve this milestone in the interview below!
Who are you, and where are you from?
My name is WILWÍ MI, EH (Sakora Morris), and I’m from the Tsartlip First Nation.
Can you tell me about your recent athletic accomplishment?
Last year, I found an app that helped me get recruited. My dream has always been to play overseas, in the UK or the USA, for a college or university. When I was younger, I wanted to be a pro soccer player, so having the opportunity to be recruited to play in the UK is probably one of my biggest accomplishments.
How did you prepare/train to get to this point in your athletic life?
Playing League and Native Ball was a big thing. I trained lots with all of them, especially with my brother. We would just go up to the field and kick around. I think he was one of my biggest mentors. He helped me through many things with soccer and taught me a lot.
Who have you trained with in the past, or who has positively influenced you to this point?
I feel like a lot of people have. With native ball, I had my grandma (she still plays). She really helped me. She was our coach and everything. My Papa and my dad, especially, were excellent soccer players back in their day and helped me through a lot.
How did it feel to reach your accomplishment?
It was crazy. I didn’t expect to, and there was a lot we had to do with the visa, so I was kind of worried more about that. But after finally getting that, it’s just wide open, and I’m leaving for the UK in a few weeks.
What would you tell anybody starting in soccer?
That is a tough one, especially being Indigenous, too. I know a lot of athletes around here have the talent and potential, but generational trauma is really a big thing. I think just… go out and do it! Go show what you can do because a lot of kids can. Many people quit when they’re at their peak, their prime. You see a lot of potential in them, and they just quit. So just go on.
What are your next dreams and goals?
I have so many goals already. I want to be over there, learn more things, gain more experience from their coaches and their side, and see how that is, especially for the university and their school. I want to be on the team only if I can still have fun and see what I can do.
Is there anyone you want to thank or acknowledge who has helped you get to this point?
My mom has helped me get so many things done. I just can’t thank her enough. And especially my grandma, who’s helping me with fundraisers and trying to get me over there, and all the money things they’ve done to help me a lot. Those two are the big ones.
Do you have any other messages you’d like to share with your community?
I love them—all of them. I’m so grateful for your support and can’t wait to share updates with you guys.
