Politics not a factor for Canadian athletes chasing their varsity dreams in the U.S.

Despite its challenges, the dream of going to a Division 1 school in the United States was too great for Liam Miller.The pole vaulter from Milton, Ont., who turns 19 on Saturday, is committed to Wichita State University for the 2025-26 year. He recently wrapped up a postgrad year at Spire Academy in Geneva, Ohio, after receiving 21 D1 offers.Though a few classmates joked about Canada being the 51st state during his time at Spire, Miller said the ribbing didn’t bother him – or influence his decision.