Although flag football is a non-contact sport, plays move quickly, and every drive matters; defensively, having the opponent’s flag just out of fingertips’ reach can be frustrating. Making her debut in Double Blue, Ella Westover, a first-year in the Athletic Therapy program, relies on physical and mental resilience to keep her spirits high. She attributes “being a goldfish” as essential to staying focused during a game.

 “Basically,” she said, “having short-term memory to focus on the current play and block out emotions from past plays is important to help stay in the moment on the field and not dwell on past plays.”

 During the 5v5 season, Westover plays linebacker but will be switching positions to O-Line and D-Line for the 11v11 season. Only four years ago, Westover began playing the sport after trying out for her high school’s flag football team in Grade 9, where she competed in 7v7. Following a hiatus due to the pandemic, Westover was named team captain in Grade 11, winning the team MVP award, and continued to hold her position throughout her senior year.

 Westover has been engaged in sports since childhood, so her swift grasp of the game comes as no surprise. From 6 to 16, she competed provincially as a competitive gymnast, qualifying for the provincial championships. After her gymnastics career, Westover remained physically active, focusing on weightlifting and even training as a diver for about a year.

 It is not uncommon for athletes to battle injuries. Having been a patient herself, Westover developed an interest in comprehending injuries and rehabilitation, specifically in sports medicine. After completing a co-op placement in high school, Westover learned about athletic therapy as a program and considered several options but ultimately decided on Sheridan.

 “Sheridan stood out to me,” she said. “With [all] the resources and opportunities I have access to here, I'm looking forward to the placements I’ll have, and [I] enjoy the hands-on learning.”

While Westover has just begun her Sheridan journey, she looks toward a bright future as she completes her degree and is open to any athletic therapy career opportunities after graduation. Her positive outlook is practically tangible as Westover constantly reflects on herself, imagining how her childhood self would be proud of her accomplishments. But what is the most vital factor in keeping her ambitious? The support she receives from her family, friends, and team.

 “So far, my time as a student-athlete has taught me how to manage my time so I can put my full effort into every aspect of my life,” she said. “As well as the importance of teamwork, determination, and communication to be successful.”

Both on and off the field, Westover tries to keep an open mind to different perspectives and solutions when overcoming a challenge. She credits trust, adaptability, and communication as the most significant skills she’s learned on the field that help her succeed in the classroom. When assigned a group project, these skills help Westover recognize her partners’ roles, communicate and collaborate effectively, and trust that each person will do their part and adapt to the game plan.

With the 11v11 season underway, Westover believes good teamwork pushes everyone to reach their utmost potential by building relationships and lifting each other.  

“The teamwork on our team has been so helpful in making me the player I am while allowing me to continuously learn in a supportive, fun, and focused environment.”