At just 12 years old, Robin Price first laced up her cleats and stepped onto the field with the Sault Minor Football League (SMFL). Over two seasons, she began to fall in love with the game—thanks in no small part to her stepdad, Daniel, who not only encouraged her every step of the way but also joined her second-year team as a coach. That early support laid the foundation for what has become a remarkable football journey for the student-athlete that will be going into grade 11 in September 2025 at Korah. Robin is 15, turning 16 on August 5.
This incredible journey is powered by family, friends, and a tight-knit Northern Ontario community.
Robin is quick to recognize the people and places that have helped along the way. Her friends often show up on game days, cheering from the sidelines with homemade signs and boundless enthusiasm. Her family has been unwavering in their support—both emotionally and financially—helping manage the significant costs that come with high-level competitive football. Local sponsors, including the Heyden/Goulais Eagles Club, the Heyden Restaurant, Carlo Gervasi Century21, Christies RV, and her beloved Papa Bob McKee, have stepped up to ensure she can pursue her passion without limits.
Now, as a two-year veteran of Team Ontario’s U18 High Performance Women’s Tackle Team, Robin is the most northern female linebacker to ever represent the province in the Ontario Women’s Football League (OWFL) and on the national stage. It’s a title she holds with pride. “Being a northern athlete comes with challenges—especially the travel, time, and cost—but I want other athletes from the North to know it’s possible,” Robin shares. “We aren’t limited. The opportunities are out there—you just have to find them and believe in yourself.”
In fact, it was her mentor, Lillian Sawchyn—the first female to play on Team Ontario Black in 2023—who showed Robin that it was possible. Lillian continues to check in on her progress and offer encouragement, a reminder of how powerful role models can be in breaking new ground. Robin is now embracing that role herself, showing younger athletes in Northern Ontario that there is a path for them in high-performance football.
This summer, Robin and Team Ontario are defending their national title in Calgary from July 19–27. The preparation has been intense but rewarding. For the first time, a Team Ontario tryout was held in Northern Ontario (Sudbury) in February, a sign that the province is recognizing the emerging talent from the region. Robin was selected to the final roster after an invitational camp in Waterloo in May, and the work began immediately—playbooks, meetings, strength and conditioning, and specialized defensive and special teams training. Even parents are involved in the process to make sure athletes are set up for success.
Off the provincial team, Robin has also thrived playing summer football with the U19 Sudbury Spartans. As a team captain, she brings leadership, experience, and a deep passion for the game. Her time with the Spartans has given her more field time and responsibility, building on the foundation she laid playing with the Korah Colts’ junior team—where she proved that she could hold her own in a co-ed environment. “Playing with the boys gave me the confidence to know I can compete with anyone, regardless of size or gender.”
As a linebacker, Robin takes her responsibilities seriously: reading plays, stopping the run, defending the pass, and most importantly, staying focused and mentally resilient through every snap. She credits her teammates and coaches for helping her stay sharp and ready.
Looking ahead, Robin has set her sights on defending Team Ontario’s title, continuing in the OWFL next season, and hopefully earning an athletic scholarship to play football at the post-secondary level. But beyond personal goals, she’s thinking about the future of women’s tackle football in Canada. “I’d love to see more colleges and universities offering women’s tackle football programs, and more high schools supporting and developing girls’ teams,” she says. “The sport is growing, and we need to keep building opportunities for young women to play.”
Robin Price’s story is one of grit, community, and breaking barriers. And for young athletes in Northern Ontario and beyond, she’s proving that no dream is too far out of reach.
Advice that Robin gives young girls and women is: Just do it. Nobody is limited.
When asked about how do you balance the demands of high-level football, travel, and school commitments at Korah? I am a committed person. I try to remain focused on all of the parts of my life that matter most. I love football and know that I have to train, show up, and compete 100% every time. School is also important and I am a self – motivated straight ‘A’ student. The travel part of my football has been a big learning experience. I took flights by myself, I moved away from my family to play on the Sudbury Spartans, I traveled last year with my team to Fredericton NB and this year am heading to Calgary. Travel takes a lot of planning, packing, good timing, and my parents are incredibly supportive of me and all my needs.”
Also Saultsports asked Robin what has been your proudest moment in football so far, and what goals are you still chasing, Robin said “my proudest moments include Making Team Ontario 2x. Being invited to billet for the Sudbury Spartans and helping grow the inaugural Women’s Spartans program and support my Spartans Team to win the OWFL Tier Two Championship. And of course, helping my first Team Ontario Team win the Canada Cup and Gold Medal in Fredericton, New Brunswick in 2024.”
