Friday, June 3, 2022
BURNABY, B.C. – Simon Fraser kicker Kristie Elliott has been selected to play for Canada's Senior National Tackle Team at the International Federation of American Football Women's World Championship July 27-Aug. 8 in Vantaa, Finland.
Elliott earned her spot after taking part in Football Canada's National Women's Football Weekend May 5-8 in Ottawa, which culminated in the Red-White Game.
"I am stoked to be playing at such a high level," said Elliott. "It's wild to me that only 45 women got chosen to represent Canada and I am one of them. I am so grateful for this opportunity. If it wasn't for the amazing SFU staff who believed in my potential, I wouldn't be where I am today. I would like to thank Football Canada for reaching out to me and giving me the chance to play for Canada in Finland this summer."
Elliott made history this season by becoming the first Canadian woman to play and score in a North American university football game, in a Sept. 11, 2021 contest at Linfield (Ore.). At the conclusion of the season, Elliott was recognized as a 2021 Honorable Mention All-GNAC selection.
The website 3rd Down Nation named Elliott to its Third Team of NCAA All-Canadians, joining teammates Griffin Barrett (first team), Kolby Buljevic (third team) and Jerrell Cummings (first team).
"Looking back at my football journey I would have never imagined myself being where I am today," remarked Elliott. "I was so proud of myself for just making SFU's football team. Now I am the first Canadian female to play and score in college football and will be representing Canada. That is unreal to me. The opportunities are endless."
Elliott began her time at SFU as a hurdler with the track and field program. She redshirted her first season in 2019 after making the football team as a walk-on. SFU didn't play during the 2020 campaign before returning to competition in the fall of 2021 when Elliott saw action in six games.
The National Women's Football Weekend was the first time she competed in the sport alongside other women.
"I was definitely more intimidated by all the women I was trying out with," she said. "They played on women's teams and knew each other and I felt like the odd one out at first. That quickly changed as I started to get to know them. They were so supportive of me and welcomed me into their football family.
"Playing with women is very different. There's lots of cheering and positive reinforcement. It felt very nice. There is no smack talking. It was very awesome to see all the women so happy. I cannot wait to head to Finland."
Simon Fraser defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Jerome Erdman has been one of the people guiding Elliott since her start with SFU.
"Kristie has great leadership skills, and an excellent work ethic," said Erdman. "She knows what it is like to be in a tough environment, where she came in here and was the only woman, so she's had to overcome adversity both on and off the field, and has always handled that really well. When you go into a Team Canada-type situation, to compete internationally, traits like that are invaluable. Plus, she's a heck of a good kicker and football player so I think all these things are going to be nothing but helpful for Team Canada.
Erdman says Elliott has shown remarkable improvement in her short football career.
"When I first started working with her, she could kick well off the standing tees, but less so as soon we got through the whole process with snapping and holding the ball with different holders. But now, it doesn't faze her. Physically, her leg has gotten stronger, her whole body has gotten stronger with the weight program. Kristie has been very diligent with that. From what I've seen, she's come out of her shell a bit more. She's being more vocal out there, and asserting herself more, and all these things are great signs for her future."
A placekicker with SFU, Elliott will also handle kickoffs and punts for Canada. The team will conduct a training camp in Finland the week before the start of the world championship tournament.
Elliott and Team Canada will be competing against Australia, Germany, Great Britain, host Finland, Mexico, Sweden and the United States, which has won all three previous titles.