Michael Henman and League1BC

With the League1BC season approaching we are interviewing some of the league’s biggest stars before the 2024 campaign kicks off in the spring. Michael Henman has proven to be one of the most prolific scorers in the league, scoring 7 for the Highlanders during the 2023 regular season. He has also been the leading man for UNBC. During an amazing 2022 season he earned himself the iconic nickname “the mailman”. Henman was also named League1BC player of the year and a U-Sports All-Canadian in 2023. This short Q and A touches on his experience in the league and his mentality during matches. 

Henman during the post match celebrations after a thrilling late 3-2 victory over the TSS Rovers

Q: To start off, will we see you in a Highlanders kit in 2024? 

A: Not sure! We’ll see where soccer takes me over the next couple of months. 

Henman Receiving the 2023 League1BC MVP award at BC Place last summer

Q: Where do you think League1 stands when it comes to player development in the province? 

A: I think it’s fantastic for player development. (League1BC) allows you to play at a high level during the summer while Canadian and American colleges are in their off-season. Keeps you sharp and also gives young players the chance to come in and play in high level environments. 

The Victoria Highlanders went into their title deciding match tied 1-1. They went on to win 3-2 to clinch a spot in the Canadian Championship

Q: With the Canadian Championship on the horizon for the Highlanders, which club would you like to see fight against the white black and gold in the spring? 

A: I think the team would agree that when we earned our spot in the Can Champ, we didn’t care who we played, we were just so proud to have gotten to that position and everyone is looking forward to see who the Highlanders draw for this exciting competition. 

Henman after his goal late in the first half of the 2023 League1BC Final

Q: You scored in the regular season title decider against the TSS Rovers and you scored again in the League1BC final against the Whitecaps. Do you feel you perform at your best during big occasions? 

A: It’s all about confidence, throwing your body into unpleasant situations and taking chances. It also makes it a lot easier when you have great players surrounding you like I did with the Highlanders last season. At the end of the day, if you go out there, truly believing you will score before the whistle blows, you will.