Litchfield brings strong leadership to Steel
Dedicated towards bringing an elusive championship to the Lethbridge Steel, Melissa Litchfield is just as dedicated off the field as she is on it. In addition to her efforts as a linebacker, she also donates her time to the Steel by serving as the team’s Secretary. Like so many other women in the Western Women’s Canadian Football League, Litchfield is prepared to work off the field in order to ensure the league and her club team have longevity.
Although her initial exposure to the game of football came through the interest of a companion, it was not long until she grew to enjoy it. A future teammate would spark the desire to make the dream of competition a reality. The result was contributing to a team making significant inroads in the Alberta sporting conversation.
“My interest for football began about four years ago. Like many girlfriends, I was forced to sit down every Sunday and watch NFL games with my boyfriend. As I learnt the rules, I began to fall in love with it. When Carly Dyck told me about the Steel, I knew I had to join. One practice and I was hooked.”
Proudly wearing number 85 for the Steel, Litchfield was part of the 2013 Western Conference championship roster. While the Steel are one of the elite franchises in the Conference, the element that truly endears Litchfield is the team culture. In asking what she enjoyed most about playing for the Steel, it came down to two words,
“The environment. I have never been a part of an organization, or a team that had so much heart. From the first practice last season to the championship game, every teammate and coach made you feel like you are an integral part of the Steel family. Having that support around you makes you want to give 110% for them.”
Helping to spread the message about Steel football via social media, Litchfield is definitely a proud supporter of her team. Although she is humble about perceiving herself as a leader on the field, she is quick to pay tribute to her teammates,
“If you consider a cheerleader a leader, than I suppose so. I had incredible role models and leaders last season and it was important to me that I helped make this year’s rookies feel as comfortable as I felt last year. Our team is full of leaders; if that is how my team sees me, I am honored.”
Considering that the Steel have competed in the WWCFL championship game for the last two seasons, optimism runs high towards a third consecutive trip. Although the purple and silver are more ambitious than ever in the hopes for a victorious outcome to end their season, Litchfield’s sentiments embody the maturity needed to make such dreams a reality.
“We need to take each game one at a time. Every team is out there to win big and it is no secret that we are hungry for the league championship. Mental toughness and discipline are huge factors in getting to and winning the championship game. If we continue to push and trust one another, I think we have a good shot.”
“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”
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