Zahidi's commitment to the George Brown Huskies is unmatched throughout his tenure with the program. He made an impact both on the field and behind the scenes after arriving at George Brown in 2019.
After spending the 2019 season as a goalkeeper with the Huskies, Zahidi rejoined the program in the fall of 2022, not as a student-athlete, but as the equipment manager for the men's soccer team. He became a critical part of how the Huskies operated behind the scenes, excelling in a role that rarely receives the recognition it deserves. During his time with the outdoor team as equipment manager, he was part of the roster that finished third in the fall of 2022 and fourth in 2023. The lessons he learned during that time helped shape the person he is today.
"When I first came to George Brown, I was still figuring myself out. I had confidence, but it wasn't fully grounded, it was more based on talent than discipline. As an athlete, I relied a lot on ability, but I didn't fully understand what it meant to be consistent every single day. Now, I've grown into someone who values the work behind the scenes. I'm more disciplined, more self-aware, and I understand that growth isn't just physical, it's mental and emotional too," he explained.
Zahidi also made his mark on the pitch, particularly during the indoor season. In 2023, he was the goalkeeper who helped the Huskies finish fourth at the OCAA Provincial Championships. He was also part of the teams that earned silver in 2025 and bronze in 2024. He wrapped up his varsity career this past fall, highlighted by a shutout victory against the Fleming Phoenix. When reflecting on his time with George Brown, Zahidi couldn't point to a single defining moment.
"It's hard to pick one moment because what stands out the most isn't just a single game, it's the feeling" he said. "The away trips, the long days, the laughs, the moments before kickoff when everyone's locked in. Those are the things I'll carry with me forever. It was never just about soccer, it was about the bond we built."
Being part of the Huskies family for five seasons is something Zahidi will never forget.
"I'll miss the feeling of being part of something bigger than myself. The locker room, the energy, the jokes, the silent understanding between teammates, those are things you can't replace. That brotherhood is rare," he explained. "It meant everything. Every time I stepped on the field, I carried pride with me. I wasn't just playing for myself, I was playing for my team, my school, and everyone who believed in us. That responsibility meant something to me every single time."
The saying goes: the days are long, but the years are fast. If given the chance to offer his younger self advice entering his first season with the Huskies, Zahidi said it would center around being present.
"I would tell myself to slow down and really take it all in. Trust the process, even when it's frustrating. Don't doubt yourself so much. And most importantly, don't take a single moment for granted, because it all goes by faster than you think," he explained.
Zahidi is on track to graduate from the Business Finance program, and he knows he wouldn't be where he is today without the support he received from George Brown and the One Pack family.
"They've prepared me in ways I didn't even realize at the time. They taught me how to stay disciplined when no one's watching, how to deal with pressure, and how to keep going when things get tough. Those lessons go far beyond the field they've shaped the person I am becoming," he stated. "I want to build a life I'm proud of not just in terms of success, but in growth. I want to keep improving, stay connected to the game, and carry everything I've learned here into whatever comes next."
Throughout his time with the George Brown Huskies, Zahidi was exposed to countless lessons, on the field, behind the scenes, and in moments of adversity, but one, in particular, stood out as the foundation of his growth, both as an athlete and as a person that will only help him in the next chapter of his life.
"The biggest lesson I've learned is that I'm stronger than I thought, not just physically, but mentally. There were moments where things didn't go my way, where balancing everything felt overwhelming, but I didn't fold. I kept going. I learned that resilience isn't something you talk about, it's something you live through," he said.
When asked about his legacy, Zahidi hopes to be remembered for the support he consistently provided to his teammates.
"I hope I'm remembered as someone who was always there, someone who gave everything he had, no matter the situation. Not just for what I did on the field, but for how I carried myself and how I showed up for my teammates," he stated.
