Heart and soul

Giles a heart-and-soul player for the dominant Valkyries

Competing on the first female football dynasty in the Western Women’s Canadian Football League, wide receiver Tori Giles is proud to be part of such a unique chapter in Canadian women’s sporting history. A three-time WWCFL champion with the Saskatoon Valkyries, her love of the game is what drives her to succeed.

Having been raised in the proud football province of Saskatchewan, her love of football was cultivated by several elements. From the outset, her father had been a loyal fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Supporting the green and white was complemented by an ardent love and participation of sports since early childhood for Giles.

“My interest in football started at a very young age. It may have been due in part to my father being a huge Rider fan, but growing up I was a huge tomboy! I loved playing with my two older brothers and all the boys in school. The rougher the game the better!

Whenever I was allowed I jumped at the chance to play “touch” football with the boys during recess. Although I think my teacher was more worried about me hurting one of the boys than the other way around… I also played numerous sports throughout school, but football was always my favourite!”

Eventually, the chance to compete on the gridiron with the girls became a reality. With the advent of the WWCFL in 2011, the Saskatoon Valkyries and their rivals, the Regina Riot, would become part of a new seven-team league. Having seen the WWCFL grow and evolve into a league with nine franchises now, Giles is part of a remarkable group of women that are capturing the imagination of an increasing fan base every year. In the middle of such growth, Giles also remembers her earliest moments with the franchise, especially her first game.

“My first game as a Valkyrie was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time! It was terrifying because even after months of preparation it felt like I literally had no clue what I was doing. Yet just being on the field competing for the first time in my favourite sport was such an amazing experience! One I will never forget.”

Donning number 3 with the Valkyries, Giles has helped to carve a unique chapter in the history of women’s sport in Saskatchewan. The three championships she has claimed with the Valkyries is more than just a tremendous point of pride, but part of a legacy that shall inspire the next generation of young women in the province to grace the gridiron.

“I am more proud of being a part of the three-time championship Valkyrie team than anything else in my life. It really is a dream come true!”

While reflecting on her career, Giles was asked about the favourite moment of her career. Said moment would prove to be more than just a favourite. It would emerge as the defining moment of her career, one which displayed the courage and character required to become a champion.

“It is so hard to choose one moment in my three years that stood out as my favourite… I guess I would have to say winning our second championship. This was the first championship I got to compete in because I had blown out my right knee in my first year.
After tearing my ACL for the second time I decided that there was no way I was going to sit on the sidelines for another championship. So, I played that championship game with a torn ACL. Some peopled called me crazy but I just simply love the game.”

While the quest for a fourth consecutive championship brings with it more competition and more pressure, players with the grit and determination of Giles shall prove to be part of another winning formula.

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”