Kick Like a Girl: The Female Kicker Changing Football
Written by Keyara Nelson
Thumbnail and Banner Photo by Shannon Vanraes at The Globe and Mail
With a strong foot and even stronger determination, Maya Turner has made both football and female history. Maya, kicker for the University of Manitoba Bisons, has cemented her reputation as a trailblazer for Canadian university football, beginning with being the first woman to score points in a U Sport football game, and now becoming the first woman to be named a Canada West football all-star. What started with a single game-changing point has evolved into a groundbreaking career that challenges stereotypes and redefines what's possible in Canadian university football. As her journey continues to inspire fans and athletes alike, let’s look back at the moments and milestones that shaped her into the remarkable athlete she is today.
Soccer to Football
Maya’s story actually does not begin on a football field, but it does begin on a field of sorts. Her journey to becoming a standout in Canadian university football began in Maple Grove, Minnesota, where she first showcased her athletic prowess on the soccer field. She was selected to Loyola University Chicago, where she played NCAA Division I soccer. She felt unfulfilled, however, and opted to switch to the world of football. She always admired the sport but was deterred originally by having limited opportunity to play. It took dedication, training, and a few camps to hone her kicking skills, but after reaching out to Manitoba Bisons coaching staff, her potential was recognized. Bisons’ football head coach Brian Dobie notes that there were doubters when he first brought in his new kicker, but that all vanished in early spring. During her initial arrival, she out-kicked graduating kicker Cole Sabourin; she out-kicked 12 out of 14 of the guys on the Bisons team. It was safe to say that while her soccer career was ending, her football career was only just beginning.
Trailblazer on the Turf
Her rise to prominence began on September 23, 2023, when she became the first woman to score points in a U Sports regular-season football game. Playing against the University of Regina Rams, Turner’s steady nerves and accuracy were on full display. She nailed a 21-yard field goal in the second quarter, contributing to the Bisons’ eventual 27-24 double-overtime victory. Her game-winning kick, another 21-yarder, not only secured the win but also cemented her place in Canadian sports history. Her success did not end there, as Turner remained consistent throughout the 2024 season. She successfully converted 12 out of 16 field goal attempts, achieving a league-leading success rate of 75% in Canada West. Her standout moment came with a 48-yard field goal against the Saskatchewan Huskies, matching her personal best and ranking as the eighth-longest kick nationally. Additionally, she maintained a perfect record on extra points, completing all 25 extra-point attempts. Maya’s skill set as a kicker is undeniable. Her ability to remain consistent under pressure earned her recognition as the first female Canada West Football All-Star, a feat previously thought unattainable for women in the sport.
Not the Only Pioneer
Maya Turner’s achievement as the first woman to play and score in a U Sports football regular-season game is part of a broader story of women breaking barriers in the sport. She became the second woman to make the University of Manitoba Bisons roster, following defensive back Reina Iizuka, who joined in 2018 as the first female U Sports football player. Unlike Turner, Iizuka never dressed for a regular-season game during her tenure. Turner’s trailblazing moments mirror achievements south of the border. In 2020, Sarah Fuller, also a kicker, became the first woman to play and score in an NCAA Power Five football game, representing Vanderbilt University. A year later, Kristie Elliott from Simon Fraser University became the first Canadian woman to achieve the same feat in an NCAA football game, she was a kicker as well. These pioneers, including Turner, represent significant milestones for women in football, demonstrating that opportunities for female athletes in traditionally male-dominated sports are steadily growing.
Inspiring New Futures
As Turner looks ahead, her goals remain as ambitious as ever. With 21 career field goals, she is already seventh in the Bisons’ all-time rankings. Her story, however, is about more than personal accolades or team victories. It’s about changing perceptions and proving that women belong in every arena, including football. Her accomplishments resonate with young athletes, particularly girls and women, who now see a place for themselves in football. By breaking barriers, she has become a role model, inspiring a new generation to dream big and challenge societal expectations. Turner’s legacy is still unfolding, but one thing is certain: her story is one of courage, skill, and the unyielding determination to break barriers. Her journey reminds us that progress is made one step—or in Turner’s case, one kick—at a time.