Bringing the ‘A’ Game

Schnoor ready to amaze in Australia

After a season with the Seattle Mist that saw Canadian Stevi Schnoor rank third in league rushing, while garnering a nomination for league MVP honors, the next chapter in her sensational gridiron career takes her down under. She will be part of a group of ground breaking women bringing their skills, work ethic and dedication to a new league to a new football league in Australia.

Known as the Ladies Gridiron League, Schnoor (also an accomplished player and coach in rugby) shall be suiting up for the Melbourne Maidens. Of note, she will be joined by Danika Brace, a former rival who played for the Las Vegas Sin in the United States.

Although Brace was infamous for her trash talking abilities, she was equally respected for her remarkable dedication on defense, providing strong leadership. Playing alongside Schnoor, the dazzling duo may end up being the backbone for one of the most exciting teams in the LGL.

Schnoor will certainly make her impact felt as she shall become the first Canadian-born player to compete professionally in women’s football leagues in Canada (where she won a championship with the BC Angels), the United States and Australia.

She will also attempt to become the second woman to score a touchdown in all three countries. Of note, the first woman who accomplished the feat was Tamar Fennell. Touchdowns were scored while she competed for the Saskatoon Sirens, Cleveland Crush and the Western Australia Angels (in a rival league).

The added benefit for the Maidens is the fact that Schnoor is a solid two-way player. Ranking in the top five on the Seattle Mist in tackles, her ability to provide effective play on both sides of the ball will make Schnoor an invaluable mentor for novice players.

During the 2014 Mist campaign, Schnoor (known affectionately as Stevi Wonder) earned Game MVP honors in a 29-18 victory over the Brace-led Sin squad. She would follow it up with a touchdown in a visceral postseason encounter with the Los Angeles Temptation. Having also won MVP nods in the 2012 Canadian playoffs and at the 2013 Pacific Cup, Schnoor is a money player.

One week prior to leaving for Australia, Schnoor celebrated her birthday, which was fittingly commemorated with a birthday cake shaped like a football helmet. Should she manage to capture the hearts and minds of fans in Australia the way she has on both sides of the Canada-US border, Schnoor’s new nickname might be “Whoa Canada!”

Mist fans (and rugby players in her native British Columbia) can attest to the commitment and effort of Schnoor and her four Canadian teammates that brought Seattle another solid season. It is the type of effort that not only leads by example, but makes her a likely fan favorite in Melbourne.

Despite being half a world away, one of Canada’s greatest female football stars shall definitely have the Maple Leaf close to her heart. Playing to win, Schnoor’s perseverance should make the same positive impact down under. Complemented by a solid rugby background, which included a stint on the Canadian national team, Schnoor is poised to become a remarkable athletic ambassador. Having also donated her time as a rugby coach, she will bring an element of patience and mentoring that will her more just a cherished teammate but a highly valued friend.

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