Canadian squash player Ocean Ma, right, as shown in this handout photo provided by Squash Canada, serves a ball in a match against Australia's Erin Classen at the WSF World Junior Individual Championships in Melbourne, Australia on July 18, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Squash Canada
Ocean Ma’s freshman year at Harvard couldn’t have gone better. The Richmond, B.C. native clinched an Ivy League title, helped the Crimson women’s squash team to a national silver, and proudly represented Canada on the world stage.
But now, her academic future is under threat—because of politics.
Visa Ban Rocks Ocean Ma’s Ivy League Journey
Ocean Ma, 18, was preparing to return for Year Two when unexpected news hit: the U.S. Department of Homeland Security declared Harvard ineligible for issuing student visas. The announcement jeopardized the status of over 6,800 international students—more than 25% of the school’s population.
“I don’t want the college experience taken away from me,” Ma said from Dalian, China, where she’s currently training.
A federal judge quickly stepped in, issuing a temporary restraining order. But the uncertainty remains. A court hearing this Thursday could determine if that order will hold—or if the ban returns.
A Political Storm Hits Campus
The visa ban stems from accusations by the Trump administration that Harvard failed to protect Jewish students from antisemitism. Harvard has denied the allegations, calling the decision unlawful, and is pushing back hard.
President Alan Garber has vowed to fight. And Ma is backing him.
“I’m proud he’s standing up to Trump,” she said. “This moment will be part of Harvard’s history.”
Star Athletes Caught in the Crossfire
If the ruling goes through, Harvard’s international sports teams could collapse overnight. Ma’s own squash team had five international players last season. The men’s team? Ten.
“If that happens, there’s no Harvard squash,” she said.
Canadian Squash Hall of Famer Mike Way coaches the team. Fellow Canadian Jacob Lin plays for the men’s squad.
The ripple could hit all 42 varsity teams—Harvard has the most in the U.S.—with over three dozen Canadian athletes competing in everything from fencing to hockey.
Family Worries, But Hope Endures
Back home, Ma’s family has been anxious.
“My mom was a little frantic,” she admitted. “She even asked if I could transfer to Yale—where my twin sister studies. But I told her to wait. This is such a ridiculous situation, I don’t think it’ll actually go through.”
Despite the chaos, Ma is determined to return this fall. The new squash season begins in November.
“After a year at Harvard, I can’t imagine being anywhere else,” she said.
A Talented Canadian Roster in Limbo
Ma isn’t alone. Other standout Canadians at Harvard include soccer star Jade Rose, Olympic fencer Jessica Guo, and teen golf prodigy Michelle Liu.
All now face an uncertain chapter—balancing elite sports, Ivy League dreams, and shifting immigration rules.
For Ocean Ma, one thing is clear: she’s not ready to give up the court—or the Crimson.
