Barr inspiring a new generation by breaking barriers
Part of a group of remarkable women challenging cultural norms, Dannee-Lee Barr is more than just a strong woman helping to redefine cultural norms. As a single mother of four children, she has an amazing character and determination which helps define the spirit of so many women that compete in the Western Women’s Canadian Football.
Having competed with the Okotoks Lady Outlawz in their inaugural season of 2013, she contributed on both offense and defense. Whether it was a cornerback on the defense or playing as a wide receiver and slotback on the offense, Barr worked tirelessly to provide her team with an opportunity to win. Possessing an athletic background in baseball, she was a welcome addition to the squad.
During her first season of competing in women’s tackle football, Barr had an opportunity to meet a group of young children at her youngest daughter’s school. The experience was as memorable for Barr as it was for the young children who were pleasantly surprised to see a woman donned in the traditional garb of a football competitor.
“It was really cool. The looks on the kids faces, many of them knew who I am. They were like, ‘What? Your mom plays football, just like the boys?‘”
As part of a show and tell event for her daughter’s class, Barr became a real-life exhibit. “My daughter’s kindergarten had show and tell. She wanted to show them their mom plays tackle football so she brought me in.”
Making an impression on young girls who had not been familiar with women playing in a traditionally male dominated sport, it brought about some questions based on curiosity, “Many of the kids asked, Does it hurt? I said ‘Yes, it hurts, but not so bad because we are padded.’”
In addition, it also brought some heartwarming responses, “Even some girls were saying, I don’t think my mom can play tackle football like your mom. Another one said, ‘My mom is a farmer so I think she can probably play tackle football.’”
With four children, it is a great point of pride for Barr to see all of them excited to know that she is a football player. Like so many of her teammates on the Lady Outlawz, she has a teenage son that also competes in local area football. The opportunity to share in the game is forging a very strong bond between mother and son,
“Actually, my 15 year-old son is a football player. He has played for seven years. He was very proud of me. My two girls are so excited to have their mom on the field.”
As Barr is part of a generation of women breaking barriers, the discussion arose as to whether her daughters may one day become second generation women’s football players. In asking whether she would support them playing football once they got older, she replied enthusiastically,
“Oh definitely, yes I would! Especially because they know I experienced it and you do not have to be a boy anymore to play.”
(Left to right) Proud moms and football players Sherri Toews, Jodie Ward and Barr don the Outlawz jersey. (Image obtained from Facebook)
As the Lady Outlawz have several mothers competing on their roster, many of their children attend the games. Surrounded by family and love, it is an experience that makes playing even sweeter. For Barr, it is comforting to know that the children of the players get along so well,
“While there are all kinds of women on the team, some of us know each other off the field, having the same age children. They all support us.”
Considering Barr and her teammates are shattering barriers, the presence of the mothers has a positive influence on the roster. In asking if she felt that the moms and other teammates were positive role models for young girls, she replied,
“I think so. We had a 16 year old playing with us, and she loved us to death.” In elaborating on the teenaged teammate, the discussion of encouragement for her was approached, “Exactly. Actually, it was really cool support.”
For Barr, her tenure during the Lady Outlawz inaugural season marked a historic moment in WWCFL history. Of note, it was the first time that the league ever underwent expansion. Along with their expansion cousins the Grande Prairie Northern Anarchy, the Lady Outlawz graced the gridiron in 2013. Although the club endured some expansion woes, a solid foundation of friendship and mutual respect helps to form a solid foundation for a promising future.
Heading into 2014, the franchise shall be rechristened the Foothills Outlawz. With a new management team and coaching staff, Barr approaches the upcoming campaign with enthusiasm, “Yes I am excited. We got some changes and new girls coming along. I think it will be a good year.”
Favorite part of playing with the Outlawz “I think it is mainly we treat each other like family. We all live in the same community and while our experiences may be different outside of the team, on the field, we respect each other and it is awesome.”
Possessing a strong inner and outer beauty, Barr brings great empathy and patience to a growing team which is representing a community of incredible women. Helping to write a new and exciting chapter for women’s sports in Alberta, Barr and her teammates are serving are helping to inspire women of all generations to follow their dreams and not be afraid to challenge convention.
“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”
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