Shining Steel sensation

Sophomore sensation Roche shines with Steel

Having won the Western Conference title in the Western Women’s Canadian Football League the last two seasons, the Lethbridge Steel has emerged as an elite team. One of the newest members to the silver and purple is Kendall Roche. Raised in Toronto, Roche was surrounded by the influence of two prominent football franchises, the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts and the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.

A natural athlete, Roche would bring her spirit of competition to the University of Western Ontario Mustangs soccer program. After relocating westwards to Wild Rose Country, Roche’s love for the gridiron game did not dwindle. Once her academic obligations were fulfilled, football would present her with the opportunity to extend her love of sport and competition.

“My interest in football came after my university sports career. I was looking for a new athletic challenge and had heard of the Lethbridge Steel. I had watched NFL football every Sunday since I was a teen and just immediately enjoyed the sport.”

As the WWCFL continues to grow, so too does the number of women competing. Naturally, there are women of all ages, athletic backgrounds and walks of life that don the helmet. Whether it is rugby, basketball, track or hockey, every one of these remarkable women is breaking barriers while showing a new generation that anything is possible.

For Roche, being an influence is part of her daily life. In addition to her endeavors on the gridiron, she is also an educator. Teaching at the junior high level, she is helping to enrich the lives of her students while propelling them into a positive direction. Having also donated her time to her school’s girl’s basketball and co-ed track and field teams, it is part of the defining qualities that make Roche a natural leader.

While she is a role model to her students, her first game in the WWCFL was a learning experience for her. From the exhilaration of gracing the gridiron to the obligatory aches and pains that accompany competing, values such as hard work, determination and resiliency are some of the lessons learned.

“In my first game, I remember feeling really proud to put on the equipment. When the game began, I remember feeling very nervous, especially getting through the first series. But after I made my first tackle, I started to settle in. I also remember how sore I was after the first game!”

Although selecting one particular aspect of the game that she prefers is varied as there are many qualities that provide her with contentment, there is no question that her first season in the WWCFL was a memorable one. For members of rosters in female football, the redeeming quality is the fact that everyone is welcome and the fostering of friendship brings with it a sense of family.

“I do not think I have a favourite thing about playing football. There is so much I love. I love being a female football player just because it is different. I love my team and love playing for my teammates and playing as a team. Football really is the ultimate team sport. I love going into battle every play. I guess if I did have to pick a favourite thing it would be blitzing! (smiles)”

With the exhilaration of having played in the WWCFL was complemented by an appearance in the WWCFL championship game, the visceral loss to the Saskatoon Valkyries is also a strong source of motivation. Although she views a return to the postseason with humility, she is understanding of the sense of pride it would foster for the franchise.

“Well, before I can think about winning a WWCFL championship, we have to get back there first. Yet, I think our team is on the verge of taking it to the next level and winning a championship, we just need a few more players! But if we were to make it back and win, it would give me a real sense of pride.

Pride in my team and pride in my athletic accomplishment. I always want to be better and the leaps and bounds we made from 2012 to 2013 have been encouraging. I think this group of ladies can win a WWCFL championship. I am really looking forward to the 2014 season.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”