Page 12 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 151

Shamika
Ncube
By Victoria Klassen
Shamika Ncube plays
offensive line and defensive
line for the Cornwall
Wildcats in the Ontario
Women’s Football League
(OWFL). She began playing
football for the Wildcats at the
age of twelve and has played tackle and flag football
over the years. She also played for her school football
team.
“The Wildcats season started at start of January and
honestly, there have been so many improvements and
dedication with the team,” said Shamika. “It’s a lot of
team bonding and friendships being made.”
She said what she was looking forward to the most
for this season was winning games and being able to
say that they were a great team for their first year in
OWFL.
“A moment I would love to highlight is winning our first
ever game as a new team,” Shamika shared. “I hope we
can continue to get better and win the A cup next year.”
She said part of the reason she loves football is being
able to win as a team.
“I enjoy playing and being a Wildcat because it’s like
being part of a community that has so much to offer
and really puts dedication into having such a great
sport,” shared Shamika.
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Amber
Jette
By Victoria Klassen
Amber Jette, a quarterback
with the Cornwall Wildcats 19U
team in the Ontario Women’s
Football League (OWFL), began
her football journey in high school.
When her school began their first
girls football team, she joined because
she enjoys learning new sports.
“I played for the St. Joe’s blue team until
the end of my senior year in 2024, which I thought was all I would get
out of football. Then I learned that there would be a Wildcats team, and
I had to jump at the opportunity,” shared Amber.
“For our first year our team did very good, winning our first game and
making it to the B semi-finals. Tough way to end the season, but I know
the team will be even stronger next year. Personally, I believe I improved
greatly throughout the season, and I couldn’t have done it without the
amazing coaching staff.”
With training beginning in the winter, this team’s games ran from May
to July. Amber said that ahead of the season she was looking forward
travelling with the team: the road trip to Toronto, the team dinners, and
the hotel parties.
“My favourite moment from this year has to be our first game and first
win. The feeling was unbelievable, and I truly believe just that win
brought us so much closer as a team,” said Amber.
“I enjoy the competitive edge of the sport. Rushing the ball or making
that tackle is a different kind of adrenaline and succeeding is the best
achievement. But the main thing is the girls you play with. My teammates
were the best ones I could ask for, which made the sport so much fun.”
As this was Amber’s last year of eligibility, she said she is happy she was
able to play on the team.
“The girls that are eligible to play should take advantage of this
opportunity now and join the team—it is truly an incredible experience,
and you will learn a lot about yourself,” said Amber. “The Cornwall
Wildcats is an amazing organization with incredible staff and people
involved.”
“People Pulling Together for you”