At the Microsoft Africa Development Center (ADC), excellence is often associated with cutting-edge engineering, but for two of our own, it extends far beyond the screen. Simon Wanjohi and Ian Nechenje, both software engineers at ADC, are also athletes at the highest level—playing in Kenya’s National Hockey League. Their story is one of passion, balance, and the pursuit of excellence in all forms.

For Simon, hockey has been more than just a game since his school days. The sport’s speed and intensity hooked him early, teaching him focus and discipline. “On the pitch, you can’t afford to lose concentration. It’s the same mindset I bring to coding,” he reflects. Ian, on the other hand, was drawn in by the teamwork and strategy the sport demands. “Every player has a role, and success depends on how well you coordinate. That’s not so different from engineering projects, where collaboration makes all the difference.”

Balancing life as an engineer and a national athlete is no small task. Training sessions often start at dawn, with matches stretching late into the evening. In between, Simon and Ian dedicate themselves fully to their work at ADC, solving complex problems that impact millions of users. Yet rather than viewing these worlds as competing demands, they see them as complementary. “Coding sharpens my mind, hockey keeps me refreshed,” Simon says. “One fuels the other.”

Beyond fitness, hockey has also given them resilience and mental toughness. Matches can swing in seconds, and recovering quickly from mistakes is essential. Ian notes that this mindset translates directly to engineering: “You learn not to get stuck. If something breaks on the pitch or in code, you adapt and move forward.” Physically, the sport keeps them healthy and active, while mentally it provides a reset from long hours at a desk. 

Their journey also highlights something broader about life at ADC: the value of pursuing passions outside work. By celebrating their story, we see that the engineers shaping Microsoft’s future are also leaders, athletes, and role models. Their achievements on the pitch are not just personal milestones but reflections of the creativity, resilience, and excellence that define ADC’s culture.

For Simon and Ian, hockey isn’t just a pastime—it’s a way to live fully, to balance body and mind, and to bring the best version of themselves to everything they do. Their dual pursuit is proof that excellence isn’t one-dimensional. Whether on the hockey pitch or in front of a laptop, they embody the idea that passion, discipline, and teamwork are the real drivers of success.

Connect with Simon Wanjohi and Ian Nechenje on LinkedIn.