“Smash Sisters” return

Sensational Smash Sisters return for second season with Seattle Mist

For the second consecutive season, the Seattle Mist features proud Canadian content. Known affectionately as the “Smash Sisters”, British Columbia’s Stevi Schnoor and Deanna Schaper-Kotter comprise a remarkable duo of two-sport stars ready to bring an elusive championship to the Mist’s dedicated fans.

Entering their second season with the Mist, both are looking to build on a strong 2014 that saw them contribute to a postseason appearance. Although the 2015 season opener resulted in a hard-fought 14-13 loss to their archrivals the Los Angeles Temptation, the feelings of confidence and teamwork comprise a positive attitude built on perseverance.

Excited to be back for another season of Mist football with her fellow Smash Sister, Stevi Schnoor was eager to contribute for the team on the gridiron. Jubilant in her reflections on returning to the gridiron, she is enthusiastic at the possibilities for this season,

“It was awesome!! We really love our team and love getting the chance to battle it out on the field with them. We have some really great team dynamics this year, so it was exciting to take the field and see it all play out for the first time!”

Heading into the 2015 season, the Mist roster features several new faces. Quarterback duties in 2014 were shared by fellow Canadian Mary-Anne Hanson and Angela Rypien (daughter of Canadian-born Super Bowl winning quarterback Mark Rypien). This season, KK Matheny, formerly of the Jacksonville Breeze handles quarterback duties.

Despite several roster moves, the Mist’s culture remains a very strong one. Schaper-Kotter points out how the addition of veteran talent has not only improved the club, but has contribute to enriching the experience of gracing the gridiron,

“Being back on the field this season was a whole new feeling. We have been blessed with some amazing additions to the team this year. Being able to play alongside veteran players like Bryan Renda, Danika Brace and KK Matheny is incredible…adding these girls to the roster this season has given us the depth we were missing from last season.”

Coincidentally, Danika Brace took part in the inaugural Pacific Cup, which featured the Mist hosting the BC Angels. Having played for the Angels in that contest included Schnoor (and the aforementioned Hanson). At the time, no one could have foreseen that such highly talented rivals would not only become teammates, but compose part of a very talented defensive line unit. Joining them on said line is Schaper-Kotter, who discusses the essence of lining up alongside them,

“This year, Stevi was moved to defensive end on defense. This was extremely exciting for us to be able to have both Smash Sisters on the ends of the defensive line and have Danika Brace as middle linebacker. The three of us were REALLY excited to be on the line together, Stevi and I came up with some epic celebrations after getting some tackles.

Being able to celebrate with your best friend after she makes a huge play is one of the best feelings in the world…which is why I am so happy to play alongside of Stevi every game. She has been the best leader and role model for me both on and off the field.”

Despite the loss, the highlight of the game for the Mist may have very well belonged to Schnoor. Looking to run for daylight against a bruising Temptation defense, Schnoor plowed her way through, determined to reach the end zone. Bouncing off tacklers, a headstrong Schnoor believed she had six points, while the Mist faithful roared in deafening approval,

“Well my TD was actually called down at the half yard mark, but anytime I have the ball in my hands the adrenaline is definitely pumping! The Mist fans were so loud it was awesome, and it definitely added to the intensity of the game. We really do have the best fans in the league!!!”

With the club featuring a mix of free agent acquisitions, along with a promising rookie class, their experience from last season places the Smash Sisters in a veteran category. Considering that Schnoor accounted for more than 50 percent of the Mist’s running game last season, while Schaper-Kotter showed no signs of rookie jitters as she provided a solid presence to the offensive line, they are certainly counted upon to set a positive example.

“This year, we are fortunate to have a large number of leaders on the Mist. I think the Smash Sisters will always have a leadership role on the team but the amazing part about the Seattle Mist is that we consider everyone on the field a leader. With players like Bryn, Lashaunda, J-Hop, KK, and Danika, we are never short of leaders and role models for the rookies,” remarked Schaper-Kotter.

Of note, the second contest of the season not only featured a chance at redemption against the Temptation, but it represented a tremendous athletic milestone for the Smash Sisters. This season, home games for the Temptation shall be contested at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Home of the famed USC Trojans and former stomping grounds for the NFL’s Raiders (when they were based in Los Angeles); the Coliseum also hosted the 1984 Summer Games.

Emerging with a 27-26 victory, the chance for the Smash Sisters and their Mist teammates to be on the same field which once graced the likes of Marcus Allen, Bo Jackson and Carl Lewis was a thrilling event, representing a rare opportunity to showcase their gridiron skills in a world-famous venue, proving that female football matters. Complemented by a tenacity that resulted in breaking a 14-14 draw at halftime to prevail by a very tight margin, it only adds to the team’s belief that it can stake its claim in the championship picture.

Demonstrating the desire to win that defines the Mist, the Smash Sisters bring a tireless work ethic and an appreciation for the game defined by gratitude for their fans and teammates alike. The one missing component is a championship that seemed within grasp last season. Having won a championship with the BC Angels in 2012, Schnoor (who won alongside current Mist teammate Jessica Hopkins) is accustomed to big game situations.

“It is going to take ALOT of hard work on and off the field, but I KNOW we have it in us. Everyone is invested. I truly believe we have every piece of the puzzle this year to win the cup, so it is up to us to do whatever it takes to bring it home.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”