As a member of the Edmonton Storm in the Western Women’s Canadian Football League, Crystal Cameron-Wade is a linebacker with three seasons of experience. With the city of Edmonton known affectionately as the City of Champions, she is eager to help the Storm win a WWCFL title and add to the city’s sporting legacy.
Having cultivated a love of football since childhood, the Storm has satisfied a desire for Cameron-Wade to grace the gridiron and compete. Plying for one of the longest established women’s football teams in all of Canada, she is part of a new generation of players which follows the proud legacy of the gridiron gals who shattered the glass ceiling. Lindsay Ertman, Karen Sims and Terry Yahnke started the Storm while some of the women that spent over five years with the club include Jessica Anderson, Valerie MacMillan and Sabrina Murray. Legendary quarterback Karin (Kiki) Simmons recently retired after a long career.
“Well, I have always been a fan of football. I was a tomboy growing up and watched games with my dad. I even wanted to play in high school but could not. So, when my friend introduced me to the Storm, I was all for it.”
Of note, Cameron-Wade also had the opportunity to carve her own mark in the history of Canadian women’s football. In 2012, she had the opportunity to compete for Alberta’s provincial contingent in the first-ever Canadian national women’s championships. Contested in Laval, Quebec, she was one of many Storm players that proudly donned the Team Alberta jersey. While Quebec would emerge as national champions, it was a treasured moment in her budding career,
“Playing for Team Alberta was amazing. The women I played with were an amazing set of women. I experienced new obstacles to overcome. I also learnt I will never complain about Alberta heat (laughs).”
Competing with one of the most spirited clubs in the league, Cameron-Wade and her Storm teammates ended their 2013 campaign with a postseason appearance. In discussing her career with the Storm, there were many favourite moments, although it is safe to assume that a championship in 2014 would bring with it a new series of moments to treasure. If there is one quality or aspect that helps to define her experience with the Storm, it is the sense of friendship and family,
“I play with a fantastic group of women that push me to be a better person both on the field and off of it. I love my team and what it represents. They are a family and that is what I love about this sport.”
“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”
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