Elite running back Chatterton ready for 2015
As one of the greatest running backs in the history of the Capital Area Lady Gladiators, Kristen “Shot” Chatterton is ready for even bigger things in 2015. Along with fellow teammate (and starting quarterback) Alex Black, the two have been part of Maritime Womenβs Football League lore since their teens. The two comprise the leagueβs younger superstars, having helped pave the way for a new generation of players.
Heading into the 2015 MWFL regular season, Chatterton is determined to lead the running game towards another chance at hoisting the Judy Upward Trophy. While Chatterton has blossomed into a player whose on-field performance sets a positive tone, her humility and team-first approach reflects a larger compassion in which sporting equality is the ultimate victory.
“I would only expect as big of a leadership role as my teammates and coaches feel I deserve. I am blessed just to be a part of this opportunity to play with these amazing women. They make me a better person for it.”
At the preseason MWFL jamboree, playing the game was in effect, prologue. The essence of the experience is the friendships forged. As one of the MWFLβs signature events, it personifies jubilation and sportsmanship, where playing (and breaking gender barriers) shatters the assumption that winning is everything. Serving as a form of orientation for rookies, while enabling veterans the chance to reacquaint, Chatterton shared her thoughts on the most enjoyable aspects of the 2015 edition of the jamboree,
“What I enjoy most about the jamboree is sharing the amazing game of football with our rookies. Some of these girls have no idea how tightly knitted our league really is. We may have our individual teams, but it feels like one big family getting everyone together again. Players and coaches alike genuinely care for one another.”
This year, an extra motivational factor involves the chance to be part of Team New Brunswickβs roster. With the 2015 Canadian womenβs nationals a key component in the cycle for Team Canada 2017, the New Brunswick contingent is hoping for a strong showing. Considering that Chatterton (along with Black) were part of the Canadian roster that captured the silver medal at the 2013 IFAF Womenβs World Championships, the opportunity to extend their world-class talents and help New Brunswick win the 2015 Canadian womenβs nationals would represent another great career milestone.
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” – Mark Twain. I feel this quote has embodied the NB team. We are not the biggest team in stature. Yet, what we do bring to the field is an extreme amount of heart. Knowing my teammates and myself not having a strong showing is not in our nature.”
Referring to the quote from Twain reverberates the meaning of why one plays; the effort to continuously return to the gridiron, it is one consisting both of renewal and reward. The efforts of Chatterton reflect this mood. Having injected a level of determination and enthusiasm, which embodies the best qualities of the game, Chattertonβs efforts continues to expand into an essential and perhaps revolutionary chapter in New Brunswick womenβs sporting life.
“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”
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