Determined gridiron gladiator

Arthur brings prominent game to the Rage

For the fans of the Maritime Women’s Football League who appreciated Holly Arthur’s teamwork and perseverance, an entire new league of fans shall be introduced to this graceful yet determined gridiron gladiator. Her efforts as one of the pioneers of modern female football in Halifax are part of a compelling tale that Arthur hopes to build on during this newest chapter of her career.

Juggling the responsibilities of career and football may not always be easy, but Arthur’s assiduous efforts shall translate into veteran leadership for a rebuilding Rage franchise. In attending her first practice with the Calgary Rage, there was the obligatory feeling of being one of the newbies,

“It was a whole new feeling for me attending my first few Rage practices. I was used to being a senior on the Xplosion team back home, in addition to helping run the team, so it took a bit of adjusting to being the ‘new kid on the block’. I have to say it felt pretty good though to get back at the sport and be surrounded by girls who love football as much as I do.”

Among the initial impressions that Arthur obtained during her first exposure to the Rage was the coaching staff. One of the difficult realities for so many female sports is the limited number of resources. Considering the number of coaches involved with the Rage, it resulted in a positive presence, only adding to Arthur’s confidence,

“One of my first thoughts in our pre-season skills camp was about coaches. I was impressed with how much support and how many coaches the Rage team was able to bring out. We have a coach for almost every position and it is nice to get the help we require as players to grow with such a committed and talented coaching staff.”

As Arthur gradually assimilates into the Rage culture, she is part of a unique and special sorority of athletic women that have competed in both the MWFL and WWCFL. Taking into account that one of Arthur’s new Rage teammates, Ferne Lavers, is a familiar face from the MWFL, it has only served to enhance her new gridiron experience.

In addition, Katelyn Thibodeau was another member of the MWFL that had a positive impact on Arthur’s transition to the WWCFL. The chance to rekindle friendships with both of them signified a positive transition, helping Arthur feel welcome in her new home. As all three of these empowering women share the common thread of a love for the game that cannot be extinguished, it is testament to the strong bonds of friendship that help define the significance of female football.

“All of the Rage girls have been great at helping with making me feel welcome transiting into the WWCFL. Ferne Lavers and Katelyn Thibodeau both used to play in the MWFL back home and it is nice to share that common ground with them. They both understand what the league was like back home and the differences I needed to know with the league up here in Alberta; such as all Canadian football rules instead of a hybrid back home of American/Canadian.

I was lucky enough to be hooked up with Katelyn’s contact from a fellow MWFL player before making my move. She had already filled me in on the league and the team and what to expect. She took me under her wing a bit and made sure to introduce me to the rage players to help with my transition. Unfortunately, Katelyn had to move away to Edmonton prior to the start of the season this year but I am grateful of the push she gave me to play for this fantastic team.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”