Steel jubilation

Defensive back Goddard part of exciting time for Steel

Entering her second season with the Lethbridge Steel, Jessica St. Goddard is part of a squad with high expectations. With over 30 players on the roster, it marks a milestone for the franchise. In years past, the Steel had some of the lowest numbers in terms of roster players. Although half of that number this year shall be composed of rookies, St. Goddard’s experience shall be of great benefit as she takes on an even bigger leadership role.

Like so many other women that have added the WWCFL to their athletic endeavors, St. Goddard was recruited by a friend. Upon gracing the gridiron, her initial experience was defined by feelings of excitement and adrenaline, which served to fuel her desire to return and absorb as much insight as possible in order to excel,

“I got involved in football last year in January. Michaela Dilworth-Baum has been asking me to play for the past year and she said that it was a ton of fun. I was convinced after my first practice and was hooked ever since. Football is a very technical sport which has motivated me to try to understand it more every time I step onto the field.”

Last season, St. Goddard experienced the rookie jitters that many of her new teammates likely experienced in their WWCFL debut this season, a home opener against the Calgary Rage. In discussing the first time that she played a game at the WWCFL level, St. Goddard shares a moment of truth from her debut. It proves to be an encouraging element that can provide assurance for other rookies engaging in the starting point of their gridiron journeys,

“To be honest, I was very nervous. Nervous to the point that I started to get nauseous. It had been a long time since I played competitive sports and I did not want to let my team down. Coach Bill Baum told me that I just needed to get my first hit out of the way and I would be fine.

On kick-off, I did just that, went in for my first hit and I got knocked on my butt. It really was an exhilarating experience. It made me want to continue doing it again this year.”

While balancing motherhood and sport can present its challenges, it is part of a journey where the end result is one built on friendship, mutual respect and a common love of the game. Adding to the jubilation of suiting up for the Steel is the fact that the team has made Canadian sporting history. Prevailing in a hard fought 7-6 final against the Rage, Kessie Stefanyk became the first female head coach in WWCFL history to win a regular season game. The inspiration generated from being involved with so many confident and empowering women is among the key aspects that makes playing for the Steel very enjoyable for St. Goddard,

“The thing I enjoy the most is getting to hang out with the girls. It has been amazing meeting so many wonderful women that have inspired me in the sport of football and it has amazed me all the things that they have accomplished on this team.
I am really happy to be a part of such a wonderful legacy and I am excited to take on a different role this year. Sometimes it is hard to motivate myself to go after working all day and running after a 2 year old, but once I get there and see all the girls it makes it all worth it. I enjoy each and every one of them.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”