Bouchard bolsters Storm’s offense with MVP season

As the Edmonton Storm finished their 2015 campaign with a Western Conference championship, a key contributor to such a memorable season was Brenna Bouchard. Consistently one of the team’s leaders, Bouchard (who also studies at MacEwan University) has become synonymous with the Storm’s commitment to being one of the elite franchises in Alberta women’s football.

Prior to the beginning of the 2015 WWCFL season, she was joined by Storm-mates Tanya Henderson, Colby Schuh and SJ Armstrong at the second annual Women’s World Football Games in Tampa, Florida. The effort paid remarkable dividends as Bouchard was recognized with the Storm’s Most Valuable Offensive Player Award in 2015, representing another great milestone in her storied career.

Adding to the jubilation was the fact that her best friend and teammate Aria McGowan earned the club’s MVP Award. Considering that McGowan had made the transition from defense to offense, Bouchard’s support was a key ingredient in her newfound success as the team’s starting quarterback.

“Winning an MVP award was on my list of goals for this year, so needless to say, I was pretty stoked. It is great when you get to see your hard work paying off on the field; it is a bonus when you get recognition for it!”

While the Storm managed to fight off a very ambitious Calgary Rage squad in the Western Conference title game, earning a trip to the WWCFL championship game, there was a feeling of redemption for Bouchard. Last season, the Storm faced a heartbreaking loss in the postseason at the hands of the Lethbridge Steel.

Rewarded with the opportunity to compete at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, one of the finest sporting facilities in the Prairies, it provided a major league feeling for Bouchard and her teammates. Adding to the prestige of such a landmark event for WWCFL football was the fact that it marked Bouchard’s inaugural appearance in the league’s championship game,

“I had never been in a championship game before, so it was a new experience for me. It was great to play a top-notch team like Regina. I hope our team takes it as a learning experience so that we can grow next season and come back to win the Championship in 2016.”

In reflecting on the opportunity to grace the gridiron in Winnipeg, also home to the CFL’s Blue Bombers and one of the host venues at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, it stood out as the favorite moment of Bouchard’s award-winning season,

“My favorite moment was walking into the Winnipeg Blue Bombers stadium for the Championship game. I had never played a venue like that before. To be able to see yourself and your team on the jumbotron was an unreal experience.”

As Bouchard prepares for next season, contemplating future glory, she is aiming for reinvention rather than continuity. Having long committed to the notion of example through hard work, Bouchard is ready to do more than break out of her shell. She is determined to shatter it, ready to become more vocal and hands-on, testament to her commitment.

“I really try to set an example of “hard work pays off”. All the extra work you do in the off season – whether it be individually or with the team – shows in the game.
This season, I am going to strive to be more of a leader, which is out of my comfort zone. I usually try to just lead by example as best I can, but I want to take the next step and really get our team cohesive and gelling together as a unit.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”