Legends Cup win contributes to historic moment for two former BC Angels

In the aftermath of the Seattle Mist capturing its first-ever Legends Cup in franchise history, two members of its jubilant roster achieved a rare historic feat. Jessica Hopkins and British Columbia native Stevi Schnoor became the first women to have won Legends Cup championships in both Canada and the United States. Although she was inactive for the championship game, fellow BC native Deanna Schaper-Kotter played during the regular season with the Mist.

During the 2012 season, Hopkins and Schnoor were teammates for the first time, competing with the British Columbia Angels. Representing the inaugural season of Legends Football League play in Canada, the two were integral to the Angels defeating the Saskatoon Sirens for the title. With a 2015 championship victory against the two-time defending champion Chicago Bliss, it is an exciting accomplishment that Hopkins shall certainly treasure,

“It feels amazing to know that Stevi and I have been fortunate enough to play for two different championship teams. Some people may downplay the thought of winning a championship when there were only four teams in the league (in LFL Canada) but the fact is, we still had to beat every team.

Plus, we still had to put in work to do what we did. For that, I am extremely proud especially given the geographical challenges both teams had to face.”

Of note, Hopkins was not the only Mist player to join the Angels that season. Christine Moore, who also traveled with Hopkins to compete in LFL All-Star Games in Australia and other parts of the Pacific, joined Hopkins in the championship effort.

As one of the league’s statistical leaders on defense, Hopkins quickly emerged as one of the Angels leaders. While the triumph was especially memorable, as it represented the first in her accomplished career, an aspect that provides fond recollections occurred prior to the kick-off,

“There was a moment at the end of pre-game warm-ups during the championship game in BC when the song “Living on a Prayer” was playing and just as we got into the huddle, the chorus came on. Without even missing a beat, every single girl started singing at the top of their lungs.

It was not planned and the fact that we all just did it instinctually showed just how in tune with each other we all were. Still to this day whenever I hear that song I think of that moment and the incredible bond I made with the girls on that team.”

While Hopkins already had three years of gridiron experience heading into 2012, Schnoor was among the Angels’ rookie players. Possessing an incredible and accomplished background as a rugby player, it did not take long for Schnoor’s talents to shine. Of note, she would be named the Most Valuable Player of the 2012 title game. She is quick to credit the friendship and guidance that Hopkins provided during that inaugural season,

“Jessica is a true leader and athlete. She is such a great mentor. During my first year she would field the millions of questions I had which was a god send for any rookie! She is always willing to take extra time out to meet you at a field and practice or explain plays. She is the best captain as she exemplifies everything a true football player and athlete should be.”

Such an achievement also complements the Pacific Cup crown that the two captured in 2013 as the Seattle Mist defeated the Los Angeles Temptation. In that game, Schnoor scored three touchdowns for the Mist, quickly earning a place in the fan’s hearts and minds. The chance to win the Legends Cup with the Mist is a remarkable tribute to their friendship, as Schnoor attests,

“It is an amazing feeling to have won the Legends Cup, but to have won it twice is indescribable. After the Canadian season, Jessica and I have always talked about winning it in the U.S. and now our dream has become a reality and it feels awesome!!”

Statistically, Schnoor was the leading rusher among all players in the 2015 Legends Cup. Also bringing a solid defensive performance, helping to contain Chicago’s high powered offense in the first half, contributing to the Mist’s confidence, Schnoor was recognized as the game’s Most Valuable Player. This mirrors another memorable performance with the Mist, when she scored three touchdowns and compiled the game’s highest rushing yardage total, in a victory at the 2013 Pacific Cup.

One unique coincidence to the championship glories that Hopkins and Schnoor experienced is the fact that one prominent player was on the losing end in both games. One of the most talented two-way players of her generation, Heather “Rockstar” Furr was part of said games, only adding to the meaning of the victories.

Competing at the wide receiver and defensive back positions with the Sirens, Furr was also the backup quarterback to Anne Erler. With the Chicago Bliss, Furr was looking to capture her third straight Legends Cup championship as starting quarterback (and defensive back).

Like Furr, Hopkins is one of those rare talents to have played for a title on both sides of the border. Both also share a proud legacy of mentoring young, exceptional players, setting the standard for others to emulate. After the emotional victory against Chicago to win the Cup, a mutual goal shared between Hopkins and Schnoor, a fait accompli, the jubilation of the postgame celebration was one that Schnoor reflected on,

“We did not need to say much! We had talked about it so much before hand and we both knew how important it was to each other and the entire team. I am pretty sure we just gave each other a big hug and said, “we did it”…..then rolled around in some confetti!!! (laughs)”

As Hopkins is one of the charter members of the Mist (and the Angels), capturing an elusive Legends Cup with the Mist truly brings her full circle. With the title game having occurred on home soil, in Kent, Washington, it only added to the magic of such a career milestone. A remarkable ambassador for the game, always exemplifying class, her hard work and dedication set a positive example for so many empowering women that would become part of the Mist roster.

“Looking back over the past six years, it is incredible to think of how much I have sacrificed to finally win the Legends Cup. I can honestly say I have given EVERYTHING I have to this team, my coach and this League over that time frame. In six years, I never missed a practice due to illness, work, injury or conflict (if I was injured I was still there helping or participating as much as I could).

To know that I gave my everything and left everything I had on the field in the championship game is the most satisfying feeling in the world. I could not ask for a better end to this season and potentially my career. Our coaches, the players on this team and our fans ALL deserve this.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”
Photo credit: Nick Masfiled

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