Signal caller McGowan caps off memorable season with MVP honors

Capturing a Western Conference championship in 2015 was only part of the tale that helped the Edmonton Storm maintain its prominence. In a season where rivals such as the Lethbridge Steel made Kessie Stefanyk the league’s first female head coach, while the Calgary Rage acquired experienced talent from the MWFL, the Storm countered with a confident quarterback that was ready to shine.

After so many years as a defensive stalwart, the leadership and hard work of Aria McGowan translated into a confident decision to make the move to offense. Becoming the team’s starting quarterback in 2014; McGowan was able to elevate her game in 2015, overcoming the challenges that came with conference parity. Although it was an initial move that would provide McGowan, who was distinguished by defense, with a different perspective on the game, she reflects on it as a logical move,

“My first four years with the Storm as a linebacker was truly awesome. I loved the big hits and the sound of the gear colliding at high speeds always got me pumped. So when I made the choice to try to become a QB and give up D, it was very hard as I loved it so much.

Yet, when I made the choice, I was thinking about prolonged years in this wonderful game. As a defensive player, I put my body through a lot of punishment and it was starting to take its toll on me.

As a QB I feel as though I have another 10 more years left in me, as opposed to 3 or 4 as a linebacker. When it came down to it, I wanted more years to play.”

Taking into account that the legacy of Karin Simmons established as one of the Storm’s (and Western Canada’s) greatest signal callers, it was not a role to be taken lightly. Accepting it as a personal challenge, McGowan embraced the opportunity, while respecting the legacy.

Bringing a new outlook, it strengthened the leadership role that has made her an essential member of the franchise. The fact that she was able to succeed as quarterback was testament to her remarkable athleticism.

Recognized as the Western Conference Most Valuable Player, it was an honour bestowed upon her that provided great reward and jubilation. Complementing such an accomplishment was the fact that McGowan was recognized as Team MVP at the Storm’s end of season awards ceremony. From proving that she could successfully navigate the Storm offensive attack to an appearance in the WWCFL championship game, McGowan delivered on all accounts.

“Being named MVP this year was truly amazing and unexpected as there are so many great athletes in the Western Conference who could have easily received the award. I am truly honored to be named MVP this year, but could not have done it without my teammates and coaches as well as all the other players in this league.

It pushes me to work harder to be able to get one step closer to my goal of being able to play for Team Canada in the Worlds (to be held in 2017). I have received awards within the Storm as Defensive MVP and the following year as Offensive MVP, and now as Western Conference MVP, I truly feel blessed to have the chance to play this game with so many amazing women.”

Such assiduous effort complements the fact that McGowan showed exceptional courage off the field. As the first transgender athlete in the history of the WWCFL, the remarkable show of encouragement is testament to the league’s efforts to make all feel welcome into the sense of friendship and family that defines the essence of the game.

“It is hard to believe how far I have come in this game playing since I was in grade 9. Then in 2008, I thought I would have to give it all up as I had to make one of the biggest decisions in my life to transition into the woman I have become thinking football was all but lost.

Being the first transgender female in the WWCFL is truly amazing and the love and acceptance I have received from my team and the league I could not have asked for more. ”

Enjoying such personal success, the greater success was the dedication to her team, displayed by the effort to continuously give her team a chance to win. Such dedication was reciprocated by the support of her teammates, who never gave up on her. Despite an 0-2 start, compounded by a loss in the 2014 Western Conference title game, the final two games proved to be McGowan’s finest moment. Displaying the qualities that earned her MVP honors, she kept the team focused, earning the regular season conference crown and a chance at redemption with an appearance in the Western Conference title game.

“In my two seasons as a QB, it has been a great experience. My first year, the team was undefeated but came up just short in the Western Conference championship game. It was heartbreaking but there was always next year and when this season started we had a rough start, losing our first two games by one point in each of them.

From there, it was do or die; win or the season was over and the chance at a championship over. Yet, we pulled together as a team and won our last two regular season games, ending up first in the West.

Off to the playoffs, we met up with a great Calgary Rage team who had had a great season as well, getting to the western conference championship game for the first time. The Storm stayed true to our game plan and came out with the victory.”

Although McGowan had competed in the WWCFL championship game in seasons past, it had been as a member of the defensive unit. Making her championship game debut as quarterback, it represented a significant career milestone. Competing against the Regina Riot, it was a notable game as neither team had ever played each other before. Adding to the magic was the fact that it was an opportunity for McGowan and her Storm teammates to compete in a CFL stadium; Investor’s Group Field in Winnipeg.

“Now off to the big game. With a small roster of 21, due to injures and life pulling some of our girls back to work, against a roster of 40 plus. Yet, we were determined to go and give it our all.

By half time, we were down to 14 girls able to play, everyone playing both ways. No matter the score, we were going to leave it all on the felid. We did so proud to go to battle with all my Storm girls and we would do it all over again.

To be able to play on a CFL felid was truly a dream come true. I remember talking about it with some of the girls in my rookie year, thinking that it would most likely be in Calgary or Edmonton. To get the chance to do so in Winnipeg, in a stadium that is only a year old, and getting to see yourself on the big screens in instant replay, words are hard to describe such an experience. We are truly grateful for the opportunity.”

While the championship summit remains a crusade, defining the gallant determination that drives such athletes, the essential outcome in the aftermath of this season were the efforts displayed. McGowan’s play and leadership were key factors in helping the Storm enjoy another successful season. Extending a legacy, simultaneously creating an empowering chapter, McGowan’s efforts did more than make Karin Simmons proud. It was an opportunity to pay tribute to two people that were influential in her transition to becoming an elite quarterback,

“On my road to becoming a QB, there are two people I can not thank enough; Mike Rowe for giving me the chance to try out for the position. Knowing that he wanted me on defense, he let me stick with it. I am truly thankful to him and all that he has done for me in my life; he is a true mentor to me.

The second is Brenna Bouchard, who has been with me every step of the way, encouraging me when I was down or frustrated, helping me get my mind straight and focused. From all the 6 am training sessions in the off season and all the work she has done to keep me going, a girl could not ask for a better friend and an amazing player and teammate.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”
Images supplied by Aria McGowan