Taking the gridiron world by Storm

Galka standing proud as a member of the Edmonton Storm’s roster

As a proud member of the Edmonton Storm, Jenny Galka is helping to transform the sporting landscape in Western Canada into one where women can become armoured warriors battling on the fields of tackle football. With the Western Women’s Canadian Football League emerging as one of the fastest growing sports leagues in Canada, Galka is ecstatic to be part of such an exciting time.

“Well I have been interested in the CFL for the last 15 years and when I heard about the WWCFL I was intrigued. My friend, Trina, is friends with the head coach and when she decided to try it out I figured it could not hurt (in some ways anyhow).”

In discussing which moment stands out as her favourite with the Storm, she refers to her debut as a player. Like any athlete, stepping on to the field of play for the first time can be one filled with self-doubt and lack of confidence. The ability to prove that one is capable can serve as a moment of truth.

“As a player probably my first strike in a game. I am not the strongest lineman on the team and was not sure what to expect with playing. So getting the first play out helped my confidence and assured me it was not as painful as it looks.”

For Galka, another exciting aspect of being a member of the Storm is the element of team building. With five football teams covering a wide range of Alberta’s breathtaking landscape, distances of more than 500 kilometres covered by bus is part of life as a football player. It is on these trips that times of reflection, self-discovery and appreciation for those who play alongside are reached.

“As for the Storm as a team the bus trips (not necessarily any in particular). You really get to know everyone and it is amazing at the different types of persons involved.”

Paying homage to the past and recognizing the future is equally important to Galka. While the topic of which players she looks up to was mentioned, it was evident that her outlook reflects part of the beauty of sport; the acumen of a veteran and the enthusiasm of a rookie can complement each other in ways that are unique. Veteran quarterback (and team co-founder) Kiki Simmons is one of the pioneers of women’s tackle football while Darron Bunt represents what tomorrow shall offer. Galka acknowledges both of their contributions,

“If I had to choose anyone on the team to look up to I would say it is a tie between Kiki Simmons and Darron Bunt. Reasons being is Kiki never gave up. You could tell the passion and dedication to making the Storm a winning team and wanting to go out with a bang.

One of the coaches for Lethbridge referred to Darron as a truck this past season since she took one of their girls out during out first run in with the Steel. Darron started on the team this year and showed that a rookie can take down anyone. Her body strength and balance are something to be admired.”

Since the inception of the WWCFL, the Edmonton Storm have tried valiantly to claim a title. Having competed in the league’s inaugural title game in 2011, the proud franchise is eager to return in 2014. In discussing what it will take to be part of the championship picture in the season to come, Galka addressed the following,

“A little more dedication from some players and more backup. We had very few women on the bench to replace minor injuries and to help with fatigue. Some players were on full games between offense and defense with very little breaks.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”