Aurora McCutcheon is making her mark in football as quarterback for the U18 South East Kinette Viragos. From her first experience at a Roughriders game to training with the Saskatoon Valkyries, McCutcheon is building a successful career and inspiring young athletes along the way
Her journey into football wasn’t immediate. After attending a Saskatchewan Roughriders game, she envisioned herself as a cheerleader, but the excitement of the game changed her mind. “After that, I'm like, no, I want to play,” she recalls.
Initially, her mother was hesitant about letting her play, but when a coworker's daughter shared her enjoyment of the sport, the opportunity was made possible.
Once she started, there was no turning back. “Ever since then, I've loved it,” she says, showcasing her deep passion for the game.
Her experience at the Saskatoon training camp marked a turning point. The head coach of the Valkyries immediately recognized her leadership on the field. “He asked me if I was the quarterback, and when I said yes, he was really excited to see me there,” McCutcheon remembers.
For her, attending various camps is crucial to improvement. “You can never know everything about a sport,” she says. “It’s always good to go out to a bunch of different camps to learn different skills and meet a bunch of people.” Camps not only offer opportunities for development but also allow athletes to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same passion.
Reconnecting with players at these camps year after year is one of the best parts. “When you go to the camp next year, you’re looking forward to seeing these people again,” McCutcheon adds.
Her football career has already seen significant achievements. As a quarterback for the Viragos, she has played a key role in leading the team. Additionally, her involvement with the Indigenous team has been a source of immense pride. “Those have been some of the biggest highlights in my career so far,” she says, reflecting on the personal growth these experiences have spurred.
Looking ahead, she plans to continue playing after graduation and pursue higher levels of play. The love for the sport that fuels her career is also driving her interest in coaching later in life. “I hope to continue playing after I graduate and then coach when I’m older,” she says, committed to mentoring the next generation.
As a young female quarterback, McCutcheon knows how intimidating football can seem, especially for girls considering the sport. To them, she offers encouragement: “I know it seems intimidating at first, but once you get into it and understand the game, it’s super easy.”
Football, for McCutcheon, isn’t just about the sport itself but about the friendships and experiences it creates. “You get to make a bunch of friends and learn a lot,” she says, urging young athletes to push past any doubts.
Through football, she has learned resilience. “Maybe the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that when you get down, you just get back up,” McCutcheon reflects.
Her passion for the sport extends beyond her own growth. Recently, she visited schools as part of an outreach initiative to recruit new players. “Last week we have been going to all the schools, and tomorrow is our last school with Pleasantville that we've been going to for recruiting,” she says. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire the next generation of female football players.
Looking toward her future, McCutcheon encourages young athletes to pursue their dreams. “Don’t let fear hold you back,” she advises. Her journey proves that a little courage and a lot of perseverance can lead to incredible opportunities, both on and off the field.