Shining rookie

Dilworth-Baum shines as first-year quarterback for Steel

One of the most successful teams in the nascent history of the Western Women’s Canadian Football League, the Lethbridge Steel has been a factory for producing elite quarterbacks. From Kessie Stefanyk (who is currently on the Steel’s coaching staff) to Becky Heninger, this dynamic duo has crafted a strong legacy.

Heading into the 2014 season, a new face lined up behind centre. Although she had big shoes to fill, Michaela Dilworth-Baum brought maturity and a willingness to learn in her role as the new starting quarterback. A multi-talented athlete who once competed at the varsity level for the University of Lethbridge, football presented Dilworth-Baum with a series of new and exciting challenges.

“I became interested in football a couple of years ago. I was looking for another competitive sports experience as it had been quite a few years since I played post-secondary basketball at the U of L. I had been coaching high school for many years and was looking for my own competitive outlet.”

Like so many other remarkable women that compete in the Western Women’s Canadian Football League, Dilworth-Baum is not only a proud mother gracing the gridiron, but football is also a family affair. With her husband having coached at the high school level, her gridiron experiences have helped her gain a new appreciation for his efforts,

“My husband also coaches’ high school football and I saw how much time and effort went into planning practices and breaking down film. Honestly, I did not understand why it was so time consuming and once I found out about the team, I thought what better way to understand the world my husband lives in than by trying it out for myself. I was killing two birds with one stone. After our first training session, I was hooked.”

Complemented by her experience as a basketball coach, Dilworth-Baum brought the poise of a veteran to the gridiron during the season, yielding remarkable results in the process. Although she was not immune to the rookie jitters that one can feel before their debut, she reflects on the experience and the wisdom that was bestowed upon her by head coach Jamie Fisher, along with the two predecessors at the quarterback position for the Steel,

“I was extremely nervous. My first year I played receiver and it was much easier to remember your job, but as quarterback you have to remember everyone’s job, including your own. It was at times very overwhelming.

My coaches Jamie Fisher and Kessie Stefanyk showed confidence in me and did a really great job ensuring I was prepared. Our quarterback from last season, Becky Heninger also gave me great advice and it was nice to get her perspective on things as well. I think the best advice I was given was “you must have short term memory as a QB, you cannot linger on the mistakes but move on, quickly.”

With Kessie Stefanyk, the first quarterback in franchise history, still involved as a coach, it has proven to be a positive influence. Knowing that she can seek the advice of an individual that has played in similar situations, it has made the transition to quarterback a very smooth one.

“I remember watching Kessie throw the football my first year with the team. I was in awe with the strength and accuracy of her throws and was very excited to be on the receiving end of them. Unfortunately due to injury, Kessie could no longer play and was now coaching from the sidelines.

This year, I just try to take in any coaching tips she has for me. She has been in my shoes and understands the pressure, it has been great to have her as a mentor.”

During her first season as quarterback, she helped the Steel earn their fourth consecutive postseason berth. While the opportunity to return to the postseason is a great moment of pride, there are other moments that have served as her favorite moment. In true leadership, she is quick to point out the efforts of her teammates in making such moments magical,

“I find many great moments and memories in many of our practices and games. We have a lot of fun as a team, yet we can reign it in and get to work. Selfishly, I believe that one of my favorite moments has been seeing one of your throws caught for a touchdown.

Not the first one, because that could just be a fluke, but maybe the second or third. This means that not only have my hours of practice paid off, but that of my teammates as well. Everything and everyone have come together to make that moment happen, and that is what is so great about team football.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”