Super Senior: Andrew Goertzen Returns to the Men’s Basketball Team

time away from basketball was refreshing, and he was satisfied with the way his time with the Spartans ended. It was not until October rolled around that Goertzen began to reconsider his unused years of eligibility.

eight months is not going to be the same as last year. I started all 23 games that we played and that’s not going to be the case this year; I’m probably not going to start any games this year. It’s just a matter of helping where I can, playing when I need to play, being a leader and leading by example, and being as selfless as I can be.”

Editor’s Note: This interview was done in November 2022.

In February 2022, the TWU men’s basketball team honored their senior players as they played their final game at home court. After three seasons with the Spartans, Andrew Goertzen said his final goodbyes to the bright lights, the bleachers, and the fans at the Langley Events Center. Leaving his legacy behind, the 6’9” centre geared up for his future outside of sport.

Little did we know, Goertzen’s absence would not be long. After quietly adjusting to a life without basketball, whispers of Goertzen’s return to the Spartans began.

Following his time with the Spartans, Goertzen continued his academic journey at TWU. Currently enrolled in TWU’s Professional Year Program (PYP) to receive his Bachelor of Education, Goertzen’s basketball career ended in pursuit of a teaching career.

Goertzen was not always a Spartan. After red-shirting at the University of Victoria for one year, Goertzen brought his skills back to his hometown. Because of his transfer to TWU and his year at UVIC, Goertzen still had two years of player eligibility left. Ideally, Goertzen would have been able to continue his time with the Spartans; nevertheless, he knew that he could not sacrifice his commitment to the PYP program.

In the past, athletes have successfully completed a winter season while simultaneously enrolled in PYP at TWU. Unlike other sports, a basketball season goes from the winter and into the spring. For Goertzen, playing during his professional year seemed nearly unattainable given the circumstances. In an interview with Mars’ Hill, Goertzen explained, “I was told it wouldn’t be possible and I didn’t want to put a year of my life aside for another year of basketball, so I thought it must be over now.” Accepting the commitment he made to his future, Goertzen closed the “varsity athlete” chapter of his life.

Goertzen never anticipated returning, especially after having the summer of 2022 to reflect upon his final season with the Spartans. For Goertzen, the

After watching his former teammates reconvene in the Fall, Goertzen began to miss the action. Goertzen explained, “Basketball brought a very good routine [to] my life and helped me establish a consistent way of living my life, and without that, I felt like I was scrambling all the time.” Goertzen also shared that he missed the affiliation that he had with the basketball team, stating that “I was still in some of the group chats, and I saw them all getting along and being together, so I missed that sense of comradery.” With these feelings coming to the surface, Goertzen decided to find a way to return to the court.

Itching to get back on the court, Goertzen took it upon himself to discuss his return to basketball with the Board of Education at TWU. After considering Goertzen’s prior commitment to his PYP, a mutual agreement was established. By promising to prioritize his practicum, Goertzen will have a group of advisors to ensure that Goertzen is being consistent in the classroom. If the advisors have reason to believe that Goertzen is not fulfilling his duties as a PYP student, he will be pulled from the men’s basketball team for the rest of the season.

It is clear that Goertzen’s intentions this season are based on playing a supportive role. This is important for the growth of the younger, newer members of the team, but it is also crucial for 6’10” centre, Connor Platz. Goertzen helped mentor Platz through his first year of varsity sport during the 2021/2022 season. This season, Platz has taken on Goertzen’s former position and has completely exceeded everybody’s expectations.

With Platz being this season’s starting centre, Goertzen has found himself in a different position than when he left. Despite this, Goertzen knew Platz’s potential and did not intend for his return to change Platz’s seniority on the court. “Before I came back,” Goertzen said, “I laid it out to Trevor that I didn’t want to come in and take Connor’s spot. My intention was always to play behind Connor and to back him up. I love how good Connor has been playing and how impressive he’s been. Last year, my job was to push him where he needed to be pushed. I really felt like I saw him flourish towards the end of [last] year and to see him continue from that and become so good so quickly is a really encouraging thing to see.” Playing a diverse role as a player and a mentor to his team, Goertzen is proving his intentions to be humble and selfless as he continues to lift up his teammates.

As for Goertzen’s expectations for the upcoming season, the player simply wants to play the game he loves and be a leader through the game. Goertzen shared his perspective, saying, “I am not expecting to have the craziest statistical season. I think that I can help the team in a lot of ways both on and off the court, and that’s my ultimate goal.” Ultimately, Goertzen’s intentions leave him hoping that his return will have a positive effect on his teammates and the coaching staff. His willingness to be available wherever help is needed proves his ability to detach himself from “seniority” and encourage his younger teammates.

TWU’s School of Education was one of two groups that Goertzen had to ensure were on board for his return. Goertzen shared that the men’s basketball coach, Trevor Pridie, struggled to identify Goertzen’s purpose on the team if he were to return. Goertzen explained his conversation with Pridie, stating, “As I laid out what my desires were for [Pridie], he started to see the same picture that I did in terms of what I wanted to bring to the team.” The admirable part about Goertzen’s vision for his return was that he envisioned himself becoming a supporting member instead of a starting centre.

When discussing his vision and what that would entail, Goertzen stated, “[I am] somebody who’s had experience . . . and can help where it’s needed. Coming back after not playing for

Every team needs somebody who displays the vital role of senior players and the impact they can have on team maturation. Goertzen is not spending this season looking for minutes and points, but rather, he is looking to adhere to the role of mentor. It is through leadership and experience that Goertzen will help his teammates develop into independent players and future leaders for the men’s basketball program.