Ocean Ma, a talented squash player from Richmond, B.C., has had a remarkable first year on Harvard University's squash team, marked by winning an Ivy League title and achieving a divisional crown at the national college playdowns. As Ma enters her sophomore year, she navigates the challenges presented by the current political climate surrounding the school, particularly given the tensions between the Trump administration and the university.
Ma expressed a deep concern about her college experience being jeopardized amidst the uncertainty. “I don’t want to have the college experience taken away from me,” she stated, reflecting the anxiety many international students are facing at the Boston-area institution. Recently, the Department of Homeland Security declared Harvard ineligible for international student visas, a decision that could potentially force 6,800 foreign students—more than a quarter of the school’s enrolment—to either transfer or leave the United States.
A subsequent temporary restraining order issued by a judge has put the sanction on hold while a lawsuit is pending, highlighting a legal battle that arises from the administration's claims that Harvard has not adequately protected Jewish students from antisemitism. Harvard president Alan Garber confirmed that a hearing is scheduled for the upcoming Thursday to assess whether the temporary order should be extended.
Ocean Ma, who was one of five international players on Harvard’s 11-member women’s squash team last season, emphasized the potential impact of the government’s decision. She categorized the stakes as significant, stating, “If Trump’s demands went through then (over) half the team would be gone and there would be no Harvard squash.” Her concerns reflect broader apprehensions among international students, as the men’s team included players from various countries, indicative of the diverse makeup of Harvard's athletic programs.
Over three dozen Canadian student-athletes participate across various sports at Harvard, including soccer, hockey, and lacrosse. The government's recent actions threaten not only the squash teams but could also severely diminish the viability of many of Harvard’s 42 varsity sports, the largest number in the United States. “I think that Harvard is not Harvard without its international students,” Ma emphasized, underscoring the integral role they play in the university's identity.
As an accomplished athlete, Ma has a rich background, having been a national champion at the U15, U17, and U19 levels and contributing to Canada’s bronze medal performance at the world junior team championship last year. Her achievements were pivotal in leading Harvard to a second-place finish in the College Squash Association national team playdowns.
Harvard has publicly condemned the government’s actions as unlawful and is committed to providing support and guidance to its students. Ma lauded President Garber for his leadership during this tumultuous period, stating, “I’m really proud that Alan Garber is able to stand up to Trump and I wish that he continues to fight back for our rights as an education institution.”
Despite her optimism, Ma acknowledged the concern among her family members, particularly her mother, who has been anxious about whether transferring to Yale, where Ma’s twin sister is enrolled, might be a viable option. However, Ma reassured her family to wait for resolution. “I know it will get resolved really soon because it is honestly such an insane and ridiculous situation that there’s no way that it will follow through,” she commented.
Several other notable Canadian student-athletes have made their mark at Harvard. Women’s soccer player Jade Rose, who represented Canada at the Paris Olympics, is completing her final semester at the university. Golfer Michelle Liu, recognized for being the youngest participant in the Canadian Women’s Open at just 12 years old, is also making her varsity team debut. Additionally, two-time Olympian Jessica Guo played a vital role in securing the 2024 NCAA national championship for Harvard's fencing team.
As for Ocean Ma, she is eager to return to Harvard in September for her second season, which begins in November. “After spending a year at Harvard, I don’t think I’d like to be at any other school,” she affirmed, underscoring her commitment to both her academic and athletic pursuits at the prestigious institution.
