Next generation

Locke part of a new generation of female players helping to shape the game

As one of the youngest players on the Okotoks Lady Outlawz during their inaugural season in 2013, Bridget Locke represents a new generation of young women looking to make their mark in the game. While the Lady Outlawz endured expansion woes, Locke is a building block upon which the team can build.

Having grown up in Calgary, football is definitely in her blood. Like so many other women in the Western Women’s Canadian Football League, her first competitive exposure to the sport came via flag football. An added bonus for Locke was the fact that she had a unique connection to the game.

“I have always loved football. My best friend’s dad was a player in the CFL; Wayne Drinkwalter. I also played flag football when I was younger.”

While it can be said that the vast majority of the Lady Outlawz roster was comprised of rookies in 2013, it was a mutual connection that helped provide Locke with the confidence needed to step on to the field. The feelings of anticipation and nervous energy that accompany a player when making their WWCFL debut were evident the first time she stepped out on to the field,

“My first time stepping out on to the field was very intense. I was so nervous but when I looked around, I knew that people were probably feeling the same way I do, so it calmed me down.”

Although the 2013 campaign ended with the Lady Outlawz enduring a winless season, it provided Locke with a remarkable number of majestic memories and exciting experiences. Perhaps the one aspect that may have defined her rookie season was the feeling of friendship that composes the culture of the franchise. In discussing if there were any players that Locke looked up to, she replied,

“Sherry Sandberg was one of the players I looked up to because, she has lots of experience with the game and she’s also a boss! (laughs).”

With a team that features a unique blend of older women juggling family obligations and football, along with young ladies managing studies, real world experiences and the game, both generations were an amalgam of strong fearless females excited to grace the gridiron. Such a strong feeling of unity certainly helped to define what Locke enjoyed most about competing in the WWCFL,

“My favorite part about playing with the WWCFL is the experience and my team mates. I met a lot of awesome people last year and had a fantastic time with all of them!”

Rebranded as the Foothills Outlawz for the upcoming 2014 campaign, there is no question that Locke will continue to build on the experiences of her rookie season, while continuing to help the squad establish a culture committed to winning.

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”