After only one year in the Western Women's Canadian Football League with the Regina Riot, Becky Wallis cracked Team Canada for the 2013 International Federation of American Football Women's World Championship.
"I was really excited when I found out I made the team," said Wallis, who plays defensive line. "Going into the tryouts, I wasn't exactly sure where I stood."
The process of cracking Team Canada was far from easy. Wallis had to hurdle a handful of tryouts, including one in Quebec.
"I first of all got my opportunity through the Regina Riot," she said. "I got an opportunity to tryout at a Saskatchewan camp. From there, I went on to a national camp in Quebec. Then they narrowed the top 90 down to only 45 women."
Despite her lack of experience, Wallis cracking Team Canada wasn't much of a surprise. The Hudson Bay native was a star for the Riot as a rookie, leading the team in tackles.
But throwing bone-crushing tackles wasn't the only thing that made Wallis standout for the Riot. Her upbeat personality full of smiles and laughter also got people talking about her in the Queen City.
"I like hitting people," she said while chuckling. "I just love contact sports and have fun while doing it. I laugh and smile a lot on the field because I'm having a blast. I am out there to have fun with my teammates - and I guess I let it show."
The 27-year-old, however, never grew up playing football. She was originally a hockey player in high school and went on to play at the CIS level with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.
"Hockey is big in Canada and I played it because, well, everyone did and I loved how it's a fast-pace game with hitting," said Wallis.
Wallis has always had an interest in football, but it especially grew when her boyfriend (now husband) Scott Wallis was playing for Huskies.
"I use to watch Scott and I loved it," she said. "It's an exciting sport and I love the big tackles and the exciting throws and plays."
When Wallis found out about the WWCFL, she knew she wanted to get involved. And her husband has supported her every step of the way.
"I never really knew about women's tackle football leagues before," she said. "When I found out about it, I immediately knew it was something I'd have fun doing. So I looked into it and my husband has been so supportive of it all. He has helped make it possible and having used to play at the university level he also gives me great tips on the field."
Traveling back-and-forth from Yorkton, where she resides with her husband, to Regina twice a week for practices and additional trips for games has demanded sacrifices from Wallis. There isn't, however, a doubt in her mind that it's all worth it.
"It takes a lot of time out of your schedule," said Wallis. "I couldn't do it without my supportive husband and that I want to do it because I love the game. I love playing on the team and hanging out with everyone."
Wallis heads to Vantaa, Finland for the Women's World Championship of football at the end of June. The eight-nation tournament takes place from June 28 to July 6.
