New Steel era

Stefanyk breaks new ground with Lethbridge Steel 

Having helped transform women’s tackle football into a staple for Alberta sport, Kessie Stefanyk continues to break new ground. Heading into the 2015 edition of the WWCFL season, Stefanyk becomes the first female head coach in the history of the Steel franchise.

Truly a well-deserved opportunity for the dedicated Stefanyk, one of her first experiences involved serving as the Steel quarterbacks coach. In 2014, her efforts earned her a prestigious Football Alberta coaching award. The chance to build on such an accomplishment with a remarkable milestone in her football career is part of something prouder for Stefanyk; being part of the Steel.

“It is always special having the opportunity to coach a team that you have played for. This will be my sixth season being a part of the Steel family and it is safe to say that it has been the most exciting and challenging thus far. I know that there has been quite a bit of hype about my gender.

Yet, for me the hype has always been about my team and their heart, potential and determination to be the best they can possibly be. Their ability to grow and learn each day continually amazes me. I count myself extremely lucky to be a part of this family.”

While sport is definitely in her blood, coaching has always played a huge role in her athletic endeavors. During her youth, Stefanyk taught and coached martial arts at a local karate club. Subsequent coaching stints would involve basketball and rugby. Raised in Red Deer, Alberta, she also gives back to her local community as a Program Assistant at a recreation centre, helping run summer camps for preteens.

Such effort makes her more than just a sporting hero, but a role model. The ability to inspire should yield very positive results for a determined Steel franchise looking to win their first-ever WWCFL championship. Having always set a positive example, she brings a very clear philosophy that she hopes shall be a blueprint for success.

“My philosophy with my team is simple: I expect them to give 100% effort. Does that mean that we will always be perfect? No it does not. But that does mean I expect them to give a perfect effort. If they are always giving me their best whether it be in a drill or learning new plays, then I will always be proud of them.

One player’s best effort may look different than another player’s and that is perfectly acceptable. At the end of the day, if they show respect towards me, the rest of the coaching staff, to their teammates, to their fans, the game of football, and towards themselves while giving their absolute best effort, then I know I have done my job.”

Of note, Stefanyk is part of a bold, new era for women in football as they begin to venture into the traditionally dominated realm of coaching. Across the country in the MWFL, Lisa Harlow, the first woman inducted into the Saint John Storm Ring of Honour is taking the helm as head coach for the Storm. This is complemented by Dr. Jen Welter (who played against Harlow at the 2010 IFAF Women’s Worlds) becoming the first woman to coach in the professional ranks.

Engaging in the next chapter of her football career, it has also been a learning experience for Stefanyk. While she possesses great qualities such as people skills and patience, the reality of an entire roster depending on her for guidance represents a new facet in her coaching duties.

Accepting it as a personal challenge, Stefanyk has shown that she is poised to excel. The quality that always made her such a valued member of the Steel organization is the fact that she understands and values the essence of teamwork. Even in a coaching capacity, teamwork remains a key foundation for success. From the support of her coaching staff, to the leadership that veteran players provide, they become essential tools in helping to shape her coaching vision.

“Understandably, there have been some adjustments and challenges with my transition to head coach. The players have definitely been looking to me for a lot more direction this year than in years past, which has taken me a bit of time getting use to. Yet, I have been enjoying every minute of it. It has pushed me to grow as a coach and I have gained so much knowledge early on this season.

My coaching staff has been absolutely phenomenal in being there to support me whenever I need them and in also bringing their own flavor to the Steel. I am looking forward to pushing myself and the rest of my team forward to see where we can find ourselves come the end of the season.”

An inspiring sporting humanitarian, the chance for Stefanyk to break ground as a female head coach is also an extension of her dedication to the community. For so many years, her efforts in providing coaching (which in turn can also become positive mentoring) to athletes in her community make her more than just a gridiron hero. Helping to increase awareness of the remarkable impact women can have in sport, Stefanyk is already a winner before the game even begins.

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”