New Championship chapter

Trebilcock adds to remarkable sporting career with WWCFL Championship

A multi-talented athlete who has competed in hockey and soccer with Lake Forest College in Illinois, where she majored in psychology, the chance to grace the gridiron represented a new and exciting chapter in the sporting endeavors of Mira Trebilcock. Joining the Regina Riot in 2015, she was part of a historic team that captured its first-ever WWCFL championship with a 53-6 decision against the Edmonton Storm.

When not on the gridiron, Trebilcock (who was raised in South Porcupine, Ontario) can be found at the rink. Although she has hung up her competitive skates, Trebilcock is still contributing to the game as a coach with the prestigious Athol Murray College of Notre Dame Hounds program. Coincidentally, a fellow coach at Notre Dame would prove to be the spark that ignited Trebilcock’s curiosity.

“I learned about the Riot from one of the coaches. He knew I had played hockey and soccer at university a few years before coming to Notre Dame so he suggested coming to try out a new competitive sport. I did not know anyone on the team, my knowledge of the game was probably that of a novice player, and knowing I had little knowledge of the fundamentals I was pretty skeptical.

Yet, I began attending the indoor sessions in the winter and really enjoyed it – the people, the game and the atmosphere. Following training camp in the spring, I could not wait for the games to start!

There are very few opportunities to play elite level sports as a female athlete following University, and I think the Riot is a fantastic avenue for any female athlete to continue competing and have fun.”

Although Trebilcock is an accomplished athlete, she was classified as a “rookie” in football as the season represented her initial sojourn into the game. Despite the learning curve that is all too obligatory with all athletes new to football, Trebilcock’s coaching background, complemented by maturity and a willingness to learn and adapt made her a perfect addition to the Riot.

During that rookie season, Trebilcock rose to the occasion more than once. The Regina Riot’s inaugural Teal Game, a fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer, resulted in Trebilcock logging an interception off Saskatoon Valkyries quarterback Stacey Boldt. In the first round of the Prairie Conference playoffs, Trebilcock was one of three defensive players (joined by Teisha Bray and Adrienne Zuck) who returned an interception for a touchdown during a 73-0 whitewash of the Manitoba Fearless.

Through it all, the chance to help the Riot capture an elusive championship represented a special milestone. Being able to play in every game, including two victories against the Saskatoon Valkyries, the first dynasty in WWCFL history, Trebilcock reflects on that momentous feat with great jubilation.

“The whole season has been an incredible experience, but being able to claim the championship and contribute in each game in my first year was exceptional. The Valkyries had beaten the Riot in each of the four previous Prairie Conference finals, and the goal to claim that title was set out from the first day of practice.

Players and coaches prepared all season with a purpose regardless of who we were playing. Beating the Valks in the conference final was an enormous feat in itself. I do not know if the anticipation and excitement of that moment ever wore off. And to see the vets finally have the opportunity to hoist the WWCFL trophy, especially those who had been there since the Riot’s Inaugural season, was truly the most rewarding and unique experience. They have created a legacy that I feel very fortunate to be a part of, and can’t wait to continue it.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”