[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Kennedy Talks... with Tegan Atwell
[/div]
Welcome to the first of what I hope will be many interviews to come. “Kennedy Talks” is a chance for me to sit down with the players who have helped shape the league and players that are currently building their careers. For my first interview, I wanted to sit down with a player that I got to play alongside in my final season, but didn’t get to know as well as I would have liked. And this gave me that chance. That player is Wide Receiver Tegan Atwell.
This interview took place a few days prior to the Ultimus championship as well as a major announcement on Tegan’s part following the big championship win. I’ll touch base on that at the very end, but first, let’s get to the interview itself.
* * * *
KENNEDY: I really enjoyed playing alongside you in S10. Sadly, it was my final season, so that duo was short-lived, but it was definitely an honor to play alongside you. I know a lot of the guys were excited to see you come over to our team. What was that experience with the Wraiths like for you?
TEGAN: It was great. The people there were accepting and wonderful and I couldn't have asked for a better time. We didn't make it to the playoffs, unfortunately, but other than that it was all that I really wanted.
KENNEDY: Unfortunately, we did miss the cut that year. Honestly, that part hurt a lot, but I don’t think they can blame the Wide Receivers for that. We were a pretty dangerous combination that season.
TEGAN: I was also able to prove, a sort of, independence from the Orange County system.
KENNEDY: Definitely. One thing with me is that I never left Yellowknife. I loved my time with that time, but you always wonder how you would do in another system. So, getting to go off on your own and prove yourself has to be a good feeling. You did end up returning to Orange County after that season ended. So, I guess you could say it definitely showed the team what you were capable of.
TEGAN: Even on my own, I still had a sense of duty to Orange County that was left a bit incomplete. So, going back just felt right.
KENNEDY: I can’t fault you for that. We all have our loyalties. The Yellowknife fans have always embraced me and I think the same can be said for the Orange County fans and yourself. How did these last two seasons compare to your first run with the team?
TEGAN: You know, I'd first joined the Otters when they were right in the middle of an amazing dynasty and if I'm being honest it's very different now than when I first got here. People have hit retirement, there's others who are new and just coming in. It's a normal thing to deal with when you're a fan of a team, when you're looking from the outside in for a long period of time. Players change, some come, some go. But being inside of that locker room, seeing everything happen to all of these people you've known personally and for so long is a bit sad. There's definitely people that I miss and there's others that I may not miss. There's new people who've impressed me and other new people who I'm a bit wary of. That's just the beast of being a professional athlete. It's a volatile market, a volatile workplace. There's constant change every season. So, it's always going to be different. And it's just something you learn to live with in this industry. I was happy to be drafted by this organization and I feel like they're happy that I chose to come back. That's all that matters there.
KENNEDY: Something that stands out about both of us is that we both started our careers at different positions before settling in on the Wide Receiver role. For me, I think it was inevitable just because of my usage back when I was a Running Back. In your case, the switch was a bit more drastic. You went from Cornerback to Wide Receiver. That’s arguably two sides of the same coin, but anytime you move from defense to offense, it can be a big switch. What drew you to make that switch?
TEGAN: You know, I started in high school kind of playing both positions, but I just ended up at corner back. I think a lot of the reason I ended up there had to do with that versatility to play both positions. There's much more people able to run and catch than able to run, catch, and hit. Since I found a way to do all three, that's where I'd ended up when I got to Notre Dame. When I made it to the pros, obviously there's a shift in competition level. Everyone else is faster and stronger and while I was able to be faster, I was just never able to get that 'stronger' bit. Especially since I wasn't playing at a true cornerback position. I was a nickelback, which put me at more of a linebacker position. It's just something that didn't fit well with me and I kind of fell out of love with the game during that time. Then I finally just got up the courage to ask to play at the wide receiver position for some snaps. And those snaps turned into my favorite moments of the game and I just ended up only wanting to play those snaps. So by the end of the season I'd asked the coach to let me play on the offense full time.
KENNEDY: That’s tough. Obviously, there are challenges that come with being a woman in this sport, but I think that speaks to your versatility as an athlete that you’ve been able to crave out a role long-term for yourself. Thankfully, the move to Wide Receiver has been a massive success and I’m glad to see that you’re happy with your role in the league again. Is there anything that you miss about being a Cornerback?
TEGAN: I miss being able to make the big hits, but I still think that this is much better for me. Being on offense, you’re able to control the outcome of the game.
KENNEDY: Absolutely. It’s such a crucial piece of the puzzle. We’re currently at the end of the season. I know you’re preparing for a big championship game against the Hawks. And best of luck to you in that game, by the way. But, with that said, this will wrap up your 8th season in the NSFL. At this point, do you still feel like you still have a lot left in the tank? Or are you looking to retire within the next few seasons?
TEGAN: I think that I may be ready to move on soon. I'm kind of on the down end of my career. I've missed my shot at awards and such, I won my titles at a young age. I'd love to get one more, but I think that this may be it soon. I signed that hundred year contract with Orange County so I know that whatever I decide, it'll be at home with my family. I just hope that my story will be remembered and that I've been a good role model for any young girl who feels scared to be herself or to go even further and be who she wants to be. That she doesn't need to be who others want her to be. I mean, no one expected me to make it this far and there were probably a lot of people who didn't want me to make it this far. I'm just happy to have been given this journey and to be allowed to do what I love. I'm lucky to be involved with an organization that accepted me for who I am and I hope that in my legacy this sport as a whole, male-dominated as it is, can be more open to women and the LGBTQ community.
* * * *
[div align=\\\"center\\\"][/div]
Big thanks to Tegan for taking some time out of her busy schedule to talk with me. My intent with this interview was to focus on her as a player and not just her impact as a trendsetter. She’s gotten a lot of questions about her role as a woman in the league over the course of her career and I think that’s important, but I wanted to provide something a little different and just talk peer-to-peer for a change. And I’m glad we got to do that. But her legacy is an incredible one and the diversity that we’re seeing in the league now, in my opinion, is absolutely outstanding.
After this interview, the Otters went on to win the Ultimus trophy, so big props to Tegan and her team for an amazing victory. After the game, Tegan announced that she will be retiring after next season. I think, as athletes, we always want to chase that one last trophy, so being able to retire with that additional championship victory has to feel good. And who knows? Maybe it will be two more before it’s all said and done. But I’m honored to have been her final interview before the big announcement. And I’m proud of the legacy that she’s built for herself.
My goal is to do more of these. I really enjoyed talking with Tegan and I’m looking forward to interacting with more members of the league in this type of capacity. So, for the players that are looking to get booked, have your people reach out to my people. And maybe you’ll be the next player featured on “Kennedy Talks”. Thanks for joining us today.
1686 Words
Ready for Grading
Split payment 50/50 with @Jiggly_333
[/div]
Welcome to the first of what I hope will be many interviews to come. “Kennedy Talks” is a chance for me to sit down with the players who have helped shape the league and players that are currently building their careers. For my first interview, I wanted to sit down with a player that I got to play alongside in my final season, but didn’t get to know as well as I would have liked. And this gave me that chance. That player is Wide Receiver Tegan Atwell.
This interview took place a few days prior to the Ultimus championship as well as a major announcement on Tegan’s part following the big championship win. I’ll touch base on that at the very end, but first, let’s get to the interview itself.
* * * *
KENNEDY: I really enjoyed playing alongside you in S10. Sadly, it was my final season, so that duo was short-lived, but it was definitely an honor to play alongside you. I know a lot of the guys were excited to see you come over to our team. What was that experience with the Wraiths like for you?
TEGAN: It was great. The people there were accepting and wonderful and I couldn't have asked for a better time. We didn't make it to the playoffs, unfortunately, but other than that it was all that I really wanted.
KENNEDY: Unfortunately, we did miss the cut that year. Honestly, that part hurt a lot, but I don’t think they can blame the Wide Receivers for that. We were a pretty dangerous combination that season.
TEGAN: I was also able to prove, a sort of, independence from the Orange County system.
KENNEDY: Definitely. One thing with me is that I never left Yellowknife. I loved my time with that time, but you always wonder how you would do in another system. So, getting to go off on your own and prove yourself has to be a good feeling. You did end up returning to Orange County after that season ended. So, I guess you could say it definitely showed the team what you were capable of.
TEGAN: Even on my own, I still had a sense of duty to Orange County that was left a bit incomplete. So, going back just felt right.
KENNEDY: I can’t fault you for that. We all have our loyalties. The Yellowknife fans have always embraced me and I think the same can be said for the Orange County fans and yourself. How did these last two seasons compare to your first run with the team?
TEGAN: You know, I'd first joined the Otters when they were right in the middle of an amazing dynasty and if I'm being honest it's very different now than when I first got here. People have hit retirement, there's others who are new and just coming in. It's a normal thing to deal with when you're a fan of a team, when you're looking from the outside in for a long period of time. Players change, some come, some go. But being inside of that locker room, seeing everything happen to all of these people you've known personally and for so long is a bit sad. There's definitely people that I miss and there's others that I may not miss. There's new people who've impressed me and other new people who I'm a bit wary of. That's just the beast of being a professional athlete. It's a volatile market, a volatile workplace. There's constant change every season. So, it's always going to be different. And it's just something you learn to live with in this industry. I was happy to be drafted by this organization and I feel like they're happy that I chose to come back. That's all that matters there.
KENNEDY: Something that stands out about both of us is that we both started our careers at different positions before settling in on the Wide Receiver role. For me, I think it was inevitable just because of my usage back when I was a Running Back. In your case, the switch was a bit more drastic. You went from Cornerback to Wide Receiver. That’s arguably two sides of the same coin, but anytime you move from defense to offense, it can be a big switch. What drew you to make that switch?
TEGAN: You know, I started in high school kind of playing both positions, but I just ended up at corner back. I think a lot of the reason I ended up there had to do with that versatility to play both positions. There's much more people able to run and catch than able to run, catch, and hit. Since I found a way to do all three, that's where I'd ended up when I got to Notre Dame. When I made it to the pros, obviously there's a shift in competition level. Everyone else is faster and stronger and while I was able to be faster, I was just never able to get that 'stronger' bit. Especially since I wasn't playing at a true cornerback position. I was a nickelback, which put me at more of a linebacker position. It's just something that didn't fit well with me and I kind of fell out of love with the game during that time. Then I finally just got up the courage to ask to play at the wide receiver position for some snaps. And those snaps turned into my favorite moments of the game and I just ended up only wanting to play those snaps. So by the end of the season I'd asked the coach to let me play on the offense full time.
KENNEDY: That’s tough. Obviously, there are challenges that come with being a woman in this sport, but I think that speaks to your versatility as an athlete that you’ve been able to crave out a role long-term for yourself. Thankfully, the move to Wide Receiver has been a massive success and I’m glad to see that you’re happy with your role in the league again. Is there anything that you miss about being a Cornerback?
TEGAN: I miss being able to make the big hits, but I still think that this is much better for me. Being on offense, you’re able to control the outcome of the game.
KENNEDY: Absolutely. It’s such a crucial piece of the puzzle. We’re currently at the end of the season. I know you’re preparing for a big championship game against the Hawks. And best of luck to you in that game, by the way. But, with that said, this will wrap up your 8th season in the NSFL. At this point, do you still feel like you still have a lot left in the tank? Or are you looking to retire within the next few seasons?
TEGAN: I think that I may be ready to move on soon. I'm kind of on the down end of my career. I've missed my shot at awards and such, I won my titles at a young age. I'd love to get one more, but I think that this may be it soon. I signed that hundred year contract with Orange County so I know that whatever I decide, it'll be at home with my family. I just hope that my story will be remembered and that I've been a good role model for any young girl who feels scared to be herself or to go even further and be who she wants to be. That she doesn't need to be who others want her to be. I mean, no one expected me to make it this far and there were probably a lot of people who didn't want me to make it this far. I'm just happy to have been given this journey and to be allowed to do what I love. I'm lucky to be involved with an organization that accepted me for who I am and I hope that in my legacy this sport as a whole, male-dominated as it is, can be more open to women and the LGBTQ community.
* * * *
[div align=\\\"center\\\"][/div]
Big thanks to Tegan for taking some time out of her busy schedule to talk with me. My intent with this interview was to focus on her as a player and not just her impact as a trendsetter. She’s gotten a lot of questions about her role as a woman in the league over the course of her career and I think that’s important, but I wanted to provide something a little different and just talk peer-to-peer for a change. And I’m glad we got to do that. But her legacy is an incredible one and the diversity that we’re seeing in the league now, in my opinion, is absolutely outstanding.
After this interview, the Otters went on to win the Ultimus trophy, so big props to Tegan and her team for an amazing victory. After the game, Tegan announced that she will be retiring after next season. I think, as athletes, we always want to chase that one last trophy, so being able to retire with that additional championship victory has to feel good. And who knows? Maybe it will be two more before it’s all said and done. But I’m honored to have been her final interview before the big announcement. And I’m proud of the legacy that she’s built for herself.
My goal is to do more of these. I really enjoyed talking with Tegan and I’m looking forward to interacting with more members of the league in this type of capacity. So, for the players that are looking to get booked, have your people reach out to my people. And maybe you’ll be the next player featured on “Kennedy Talks”. Thanks for joining us today.
1686 Words
Ready for Grading
Split payment 50/50 with @Jiggly_333
Thanks to Jangorhino for the sig.