University of Northern British Columbia men’s basketball player Tyrell  Laing gets to live out a lifelong dream, every time he suits up for his hometown Timberwolves.

A native of Prince George, and a graduate of Prince George Secondary School, Laing recently completed his second year with the Timberwolves, playing an important role in the team’s return to the Canada West playoffs.

“Playing for my hometown team means everything to me. I worked so hard to get this point, and I have always wanted to find ways to make people proud of our city.”

In his first season, Laing broke the Timberwolves’ freshman scoring record, while carving out a regular role in coach Todd Jordan’s rotation. He is recognized by his teammates for his commitment in practice and games, but also for his work ethic to continue to improve in the classroom.

“Scholarships really help to relieve that financial stress I would otherwise be facing. They allow me to be flexible, and I can focus on my studies and on representing UNBC on the court.”

Along with his work in the community for a variety of causes, Laing also serves as a coach for Junior Timberwolves programs and at camps for Prince George youth. The very programs and camps that he attended when he was a child, shaped his understanding of hard work, dedication, and community.

“Giving back, at camps with the Junior Timberwolves, means the world to me. I was once one of those kids at the Timberwolves camps. Looking up to the UNBC athletes, learning from them, seeing what it takes. Those programs motivated me to play at a high level.”

The men’s basketball team became the first UNBC program to win a playoff game at the Canada West level, defeating the Winnipeg Wesmen. Laing hopes that post-season success is just the beginning for the Timberwolves.

“We grew with every game. We trusted one another, we worked for one another, and we took pride in representing UNBC. Now we have that taste of playoff success, and we are hungry for more.”

Laing, who became known for his scoring exploits while a member of the PGSS Polars, has established himself as one of the faces of the Timberwolves program. On campus, he understands the value of volunteering with UNBC programs, and often represents the athletic department in the community.

However, it is working with the youth that is nearest and dearest to the point guard’s heart. Laing never passes on an opportunity to work at an elementary school, and make the same impression on a child that was made on him when he was growing up in Prince George.

“It is so important for us to be out there, in the community. We have a role to play. To not only go and compete with schools from across the country, but right here in Northern B.C. It is special to me, to get to impact my hometown in a big way.”