Raging strength

Naclia a pillar of strength in the community

The one common trait among competitors in the Western Women’s Canadian Football League is that its competitors are strong women, inside and out. Janet Naclia of the Calgary Rage is more than just an athlete, but a leader in her community, improving the lives of those around her.

From volunteering to rescue basset hounds to the preservation of the local arts scene to helping organize the Rage’s involvement in the Calgary Pride Parade, there is really no off-season for Naclia. Her humanitarian and charitable efforts make her a true team player.

As women’s football continues to become one of the fastest growing sports in Alberta, Naclia’s introduction to the sport came through involvement in another athletic endeavor. Like so many of her colleagues in the WWCFL, the introduction would also lead to meeting a future teammate.

“Funnily enough, my first encounter with football was through a boxing class at a local Calgary club called Impact Boxing.  It was there that I met Venessa Stuppard, who is a O-lineman for the Rage and was doing boxing training in her off season.  Venessa basically recruited me.

I was looking for a more physical team sport and boxing wasn’t quite working out due to my growing hatred for being hit in the face!  Once I started playing for the Rage, I became addicted to football and now watch it nonstop, squeeze in as much football-related training that I can a week, and will talk about it endlessly with anyone willing to do the same.”

Donning the black and red jersey for the Rage is a source of pride for Naclia. Having competed on the defensive line during the 2013 season, she helped the improving club to a .500 winning percentage. While she was bestowed with one of the team’s honours, she can attest to the sense of family that exists on the team, particularly with those one lines up beside on the line of scrimmage.

“One of my favourite parts of playing football is the connection I have with my fellow players particularly on the D-line.  I was a D-End this year.  I truly enjoy playing with my unit and am so proud of the accomplishments that we had this year.

At our recent Rage award banquet, the D-line won 3 of the 6 team awards for ‘Best Lineman’, ‘Best Rookie’, and ‘Most Improved Player’. I received the ‘Most Improved Player’ but was really more excited for my fellow lineman and was honoured to have been able to have played next to them.”

Her team spirit is an essential component of what motivates her to help improve her community. Tirelessly contributing towards social work, it has become a labour of love.

“I really believe that you need to be an active member of your community – whatever community that may be.  I happen to have two basset hounds so I volunteer as part of a basset hound rescue here in Calgary.  I have also been very active in the local arts scene as that is my background plus am involved in community building work.

Ultimately, I believe that you need to be the change that you want to see in the world so every time I see results from efforts – like a dog finding its forever home – it pushes me on to be more active and more involved.”

Having been with the Rage since the inaugural season of the Western Women’s Canadian Football League, Naclia understands the importance of setting a positive example. Her commitment towards the team’s success shines through in her maturity.

“This year I’ll be going into my 4th year with the Rage.  I remember how intimating it was when I first started to play so I do make an effort to make the experience as positive as it can – most notably for new players.  I really believe in practicing hard and playing even harder and hope that this is an example that can inspire others.

I really feel, especially in a tight unit like the D-line, that we need to watch each other’s back.  You are only as good as the girl next to you so I take it upon myself to make sure the girl next to me is in a place where she can succeed.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”

Photo credit: Candice Ward Photography