VanDamme In A League Of Her Own

Port Lambton’s Emily VanDamme is in a league of her own, and will continue to set herself apart from other women in the lacrosse world when she suits up for the Wallaceburg Red Devils Thursday.

“I feel very honoured to be dressing with the Devils on Thursday,” said VanDamme. “I’ve been working really hard at practices and training camps, so it feels really good to be rewarded for all my hard work.”

A grade 11 student at Wallaceburg District Secondary School, VanDamme has multiple medals to her name as a member of Team Ontario’s women’s box lacrosse team, including a silver at the Midget National Championships this past spring.

“This accomplishment may not seem as big as some of my other achievements, but to me this accomplishment is huge,” added VanDamme. “Not many girls can say they’ve had the chances and opportunities I’ve had in the game, and the fact that I may be one of the first females to ever play in a Junior B lacrosse game is extremely exciting and I’m sure it will be something I will always remember.”

According to Wallaceburg Red Devils head coach Jamie Knight, although VanDamme may be in a league of her own, she’s also just another valued member of the Red Devils, who has earned the respect of her teammates.

“I don’t really think of it as a girl playing, but rather a first year junior working hard every night to earn some playing time,” said Knight. “She works hard and deserves this opportunity. The boys respect her, she brings a good attitude with her to the arena every night.”

The Red Devils travel to face Six Nations Thursday, before hosting a pair of home games against Guelph and Brampton this weekend.