Emmarae Dale joins Saskatoon Hilltops as first female player

The Saskatoon Hilltops welcomed Emmarae Dale as the first female player in the team’s 99-year history Tuesday.

“Honestly, it wasn’t even a thought that crossed my mind,” Dale said on the Green Zone when asked if she expected to be approached by the 22-time national champions. “I was definitely pretty shocked.”

“I’m just moreso excited to challenge myself as an athlete and a football player.”

Dale joins the PFC’s Hilltops after a successful career with the Saskatoon Valkyries during their championship runs in the Western Women’s Canadian Football League in 2016 and 2019.

“It has been an awesome experience so far. I have received a lot of positive feedback and support which has really helped me keep my composure on the field,” Dale said in a team news release.

“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.”

Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant welcomes another member of the Dale family with the signing.

Dale’s brothers Donovan and Anthony played for the Toppers. Donovan won Canadian Bowl championships during its 2010, 2011 and 2012 seasons before joining the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.

“Emmarae is joining a long list of Dale family members who have been great players and leaders for the Saskatoon Hilltops,” Sargeant said. “She has a great work ethic and brings a very physical element to her play.”

Dale feels her attitude on the field separates her from other female players.

“I guess I almost turn into a different person and I like to think I put my best effort into every rep of every series,” Dale said.

Aside from the physiological differences between men and women, Dale said practice remains relatively unchanged.

“It was honestly nothing too foreign to what I’m used to. It’s just with some bigger guys now I guess,” she said.

“The hope going forward is that I’m just another person on the team now. They don’t need to treat me any different.”

Dale has also competed with the Huskies track and field team and helped it win the 2019 Canada West track and field championship.

With the cancellation of the CJFL season announced on Aug. 8, Dale will practice with the Hilltops during the fall before suiting up in 2021.

“I have watched Emmarae grow into a dominant football player with the Saskatoon Valkyries,” Jeff Yausie, the Hilltops’ defensive co-ordinator, said.

“She has great quickness along with strength and athleticism. We are looking forward to her contributing to our Hilltops defence on the field. She has a great attitude, and no one works harder than her.”