Shanelle Rioux has been a stand-out in Estevan youth football circles for years, playing in Penta Completions Estevan Minor Football and then with the Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) Elecs football team.
And while she still has one more year to play with the Elecs, she has been gaining plenty of experience and attention with the Regina Riot, the women’s tackle football team in the Queen City.
Rioux recently wrapped up her first season with the Riot. It was a momentous year, as the Riot reached the Western Women's Canadian Football League’s final, which they lost to the Saskatoon Valkyries.
“It was a bumpy road to get there,” Rioux told Lifestyles. “We definitely faced some challenges, with a loss right off the bat … but we pulled through and it was great to play on our home field and not watch another team compete.”
Rioux earned the chance to play for the Riot after one of the coaches in the Moose Jaw High School Football League reached out to Morgan Bunce, who was the coach of the Riot at the time, and touted Rioux’s abilities.
“Morgan watched one of my games in Moose Jaw. I went to a fall camp, and I just knew I wanted to play after that.”
Rioux was one of the youngest players on the team this year. It’s a unique mix of age and experience, as the Riot’s oldest player is 43.
“It’s been a great opportunity to be with females, and have women who are so mature. It’s nice being around them. There’s no drama,” said Rioux.
The players fit in well together, too. She was nervous at first, but became comfortable pretty quickly.
Rioux has been playing tackle football for nine years, and also has a year of flag football experience. She was a starting quarterback in minor football, and has even played the pivot position in high school games.
She has also played all positions on offence, at linebacker and defensive back on the other side of the ball, and as a kick returner and punt returner on special teams.
With the Riot, she has played slotback and running back.
At first there was a thrill of playing with the boys, and now she wants to prove that girls can play tackle football with the guys.
“I wanted to prove the boys wrong and show them how to do it. It’s just a great sport.”
She never really thought about the game at first; she would be on the sidelines during a brother’s game, reading a book.
One of his coaches approached her about playing, and she had the typical reaction of girls can’t play football.
“He said come try it out, and I did, and I fell in love with it,” said Rioux.
Minor football and high school football in Estevan have all played a big role in her development. Each coach has brought something new to help her improve as a player.
As for the Riot, she finds her knowledge of the game has soared further than she ever thought possible.
“They were very picky, which helped me in the long run. I loved it.”
Rioux was also part of the first under-18 Team Saskatchewan female football team, which she described as a great experience.
“I loved getting to see the younger girls and how they play. I’m beyond excited to see how they develop when they’re older, and what they contribute to the Riot and the Valkyrie.”
And it would be great to see female teams in communities like Estevan that currently don’t have one, she said.
“Female football is developing, and it’s just a matter of time until more girls start wanting to come out,” she said.
