The Saskatoon Hilltops have made history with the signing of the team’s first female player.
Emmarae Dale joins the team after a successful career with the Saskatoon Valkyries, helping the organization win the Western Women’s Canadian Football League title in 2016 and 2019.
“I am extremely honoured to be joining the Hilltops. It’s definitely been very surreal so fa and I still can’t even believe it’s really happening, but I’m so grateful or the opportunity to play football at a higher calibre and challenge myself as an athlete. It has been an awesome experience so far,” Dale said.
“I have received a lot of positive feedback and support which has really helped me keep my composure on the field. Coming from the Valkyries, things haven’t been all that different other than the obvious fact that I’m playing against men now. The pace is definitely quicker but I’m excited to keep learning and growing as a football player.”
She joined the WWCFL as a linebacker after playing high school basketball at St. Joseph High School in Saskatoon and career as a varsity field athlete at the University of Saskatchewan. The Hilltops scored a first in team history even though they aren’t playing games in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Emmarae is joining a long list of Dale family members who have been great players and leaders for the Saskatoon Hilltops,” head coach Tom Sargeant said.
“She has a great work ethic and brings a very physical element to her play. She is joining us for our 2020 practice schedule, and we can’t wait to see her in the Hilltops uniform at linebacker in 2021.”
Check out her football highlights.
