Phoenix, Arizona – October 28, 2025 – Far from home, but finding their way.
Both Lopes' Women's Hockey player
Sophie Armit and
Grand Canyon University Men's Club Soccer player
Ansu Kanneh discovered their love for their sports worlds away from GCU. The role models they have become for their programs, despite a set of unexpected and/or tragic setbacks, make them ideal selections for GCU Club Sports Student-Athlete of the Month in October.
Sophie Armit: Women's Ice Hockey
Playing for a greater purpose.
For
GCU Women's Ice Hockey player
Sophie Armit, making the decision to step back onto the ice this season meant more than just continuing her collegiate career— it meant honoring the legacy of her older brother, Evan.
Armit, a sophomore Criminal Justice major from – in her words, the "small lake town" - of Dryden, Ontario, Canada, returned to Phoenix this fall amidst a time of unimaginable loss. Her older brother, Evan Armit, passed away in late August following a courageous battle with metastatic melanoma.
"I definitely came back to play this year for him," said Armit. "It's what he would want me to do, and he keeps me going every day."
Evan, a collegiate hockey player himself at Worcester State University in Worcester, MA, was an integral part of Sophie's life - both on and off the ice. He was who taught her how to skate, how to take face-offs and battle in the corners, and how to lead by example.
Now, she plays with his memory in every game.
"Every ounce of strength that I have comes from him," said a tearful Armit.
While the decision to come back to GCU has had its challenges, Armit immediately found strength in those around her.
"I have some incredible teammates that I can't imagine going through this without," said Armit. "Being surrounded by those people helps me immensely, and having a coach like (
GCU Head Coach) Reid (Miller) has made a big difference."
"Her returning this year shows her dedication and love for the sport," said Miller. "It's great having her around, and she's been growing and getting better every day. It's inspiring to see her continue to follow her dreams."
A natural center who thrives on taking face-offs and "doing all the dirty work" on the ice, Armit has embraced her role as a leader on a team with a growing culture.
"When I first got here, the dynamic wasn't as serious. It was more for fun," said Armit. "Now it's so much more focused. Between the buy-in from the girls and the dedication that our coach has, it makes the experience so much more competitive and enjoyable."
As that enjoyable culture has grown, so have Armit's leadership skills.
"I always thought I understood leadership, but the last two years have given me a whole new perspective," said Armit. "Between things that have happened personally, things I learn at practice and things that I learn at the [GCU Club Sports] Leadership classes, I've matured as a leader and a communicator."
If you're wondering how someone from northwestern Ontario ended up all the way down in Arizona to play hockey, the answer is once again family related.
"I have a grandfather in Yuma, I knew I wanted to play hockey, and the warm weather here - combined with the Christian aspect - made GCU an easy option," said Armit. "Going from a town with one stoplight and one grocery store to Phoenix seemed adventurous, so I liked the idea of it. Evan was really adventurous, and that inspired me to take the risk."
That Christian aspect of the environment is something that has become more important for Armit recently.
"I grew up Christian, so I was always around it," said Armit. "In the last two years, though, I've become much more aware of my faith. I'm learning the importance of trusting His plan for me and my family - even if it seems scary and unfair at times."
That same faith continues to guide her - both in navigating grief and stepping into a leadership role on the ice. While her dreams of becoming a lawyer – sparked by childhood admiration of her father who works as a homicide detective – are within reach, it's clear she still has steps to take in her ice hockey journey.
"My mom, dad, and I have all become so much closer because of everything that's happened," said Armit. "I love them so much and I know they're proud of me for staying resilient. I know Evan is, too."
Ansu Kanneh: Men's Club Soccer
Most teenagers start high school surrounded by classmates – not professional athletes.
At just 14 years old, Grand Canyon University Men's Club Soccer player
Ansu Kanneh did not fully comprehend how big it was to make a debut in the United Soccer League Championship – he just wanted to play the game he loved.
What came next wasn't fame, but a long and winding journey of learning who he is as an athlete, individual, and leader.
Growing up in Liberia, soccer was a way of life for Kanneh and every other kid. Fortunately for Kanneh, the endless days of kicking a soccer ball around at the local playground paid off.
With support from his uncle and "auntie", Kanneh had the life-changing opportunity to join the Elite International Soccer Academy. It was there - surrounded by a higher level of competition - that he caught the attention of professional scouts.
From there, he lived out every young athlete's dream. In 2020, Kanneh signed to Phoenix Rising FC.
"I didn't think it was that big of a deal," said Kanneh. "Looking back now, though, it was pretty cool."
At 14, most teens are just entering high school. For Kanneh, he was entering the world of professional soccer. While it was a short-lived experience due to injury, his time with the USL - surrounded by veteran players like Solomon Asante and Darnell King - he learned that leadership is not just about age or experience.
"What I learned from them was just respect," said Kanneh. "No matter what level [you play] or where you come from in life, the bottom line is just respecting people and seeing them for who they are."
While Asante earned Kanneh's attention through showcasing humor and a lighthearted presence that made him easy to be around, King earned Kanneh's favor by being straightforward and vocal with his thoughts. Despite the differences in the two captains, the GCU soccer player sees both as men he aspires to lead like.
"He [Asante] knew how to bring you in and make you feel comfortable – sometimes just with laughter," said Kanneh. "That kind of energy makes a team better, and that's something I've tried to carry with me."
These leadership qualities stuck with him as he transitioned to college, earning a spot on GCU's NCAA roster in 2023. However, that opportunity came with challenges that tested Kanneh's confidence and passion.
When the door to the NCAA team suddenly closed a few months later – causing frustration and doubt to creep in – the club team opened a new door. Since then, Kanneh has reconnected with his identity as a player and a leader.
"Being a part of this program helped me shift myself back to the person I think I am," said Kanneh. "I've rediscovered my identity and reinstalled confidence that I didn't believe in anymore. I know myself again."
GCU's club team didn't just give him playing time, an outlet to play his favorite game, or a new brotherhood. It gave him purpose. Kanneh became more than just a former pro and a name on a roster – he set the tone for his teammates.
"He demonstrates maturity and leadership amongst his peers," said
GCU Head Coach Luke Pilarski. "Class all the way."
"I just lead with what the team needs in the moment," said Kanneh.
Despite his impressive past, Kanneh remains a humble leader that knows when to step down… or step up.
"It doesn't matter what level I'm playing, as long as I have a good enough challenge that can get me through my college career," said Kanneh, who is on track to graduate with the bachelor's degree in Business Management from GCU this spring.
His long journey from the playgrounds of Liberia to the professional pitch, and now to GCU's club fields, has made Kanneh a leader and role model to his teammates – not because of his accomplishments, but because of how those accomplishments shaped him.
