SURREY – Top Indo-Canadian soccer player who is a first-year forward with the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds was named Canada West Rookie of the Year last week.

Jasmin Dhanda of Surrey is one of several local women’s soccer players, including Dhanda’s teammate Aman Shergill, honoured at a banquet in Victoria, reported Surrey-Delta Leader newspaper.

“I didn’t know it was coming,” said Dhanda, who scored five goals in just nine regular season games to tie for the team lead. “When they called my name, I wasn’t in shock, but I felt very honoured.”

Dhanda was also named to the Canada West second all-star team, one of a half-dozen Thunderbirds selected as all-stars.

“I just played my best every game, no matter how I was feeling,” said the Surrey native, selected to the team as an attacking player. “I enjoyed every minute playing with a great group of girls.”

Aman Shergill, another rookie from Surrey in the UBC lineup, was also named to the second all-star team as a fullback. She started in 13 games, scoring once.

The Thunderbirds placed fourth at last weekend’s Canada West Final Four playoff in Victoria, losing 2-1 in overtime to the Alberta Pandas then dropping a decision to the host Victoria Vikes in the bronze medal game on penalty kicks after the two teams played to a scoreless tie after 90 minutes.