The CFL’s women in football program has been doing its part to open doors for women in multiple aspects of CFL programs. In 2024 Ottawa Native Kristine Walker will be working with the Redblacks strength and conditioning department during training camp from May 12th to June 1st. 

More Hands on Deck for Training Camp

“Drawing on the experience I have gained from my years with Western Mustangs Head Coach Greg Marshall and so many of the coaches and staff there, I am excited to utilize my skills at the next level with the REDBLACKS,” said Walker in the CFL Press release.

Ironically this is not the same Greg Marshall who was just hired by Ottawa. The Coach Marshall she worked under is a legend for Western. He originally attended the school for his time at university, and would end up drafted by the CFL in 1982 from Western. Just three seasons later, Marshall returned as a coach. Since 1984 he has spent 31 years coaching for Western. 

Walker has been a strength and conditioning coach with Western for 11 years now. She discovered a passion for this aspect of sports while studying for her Master’s Degree. She has a PhD in Neuroscience and once focused her Master’s research on the effect the hurry-up offense has on athletes. She would also spend time focusing on the effects of head positioning on a hockey player’s vision and skill. 

This program is sponsored by KPMG who will also be arranging for a mentor to help Walker transition into this new role with the CFL. 

More About Walker

Walker is a former National level swimmer who retired and began focusing on coaching other athletes, from children to adults. She began this road as early as 2007 when she began instructing swim lessons for Excel Swim School where she spent 4 years. From there she held several positions that were more temporary camps or internships. 

This included stops in Professional Baseball with the London Rippers, and hockey as well when she worked with two different programs before ultimately moving on to Western. During her time at Western, she focused on the strength and conditioning practices for multiple sports and how each can help athletes achieve what they are capable of. This included assisting two different nationally qualified hockey teams, one football team, and one basketball team. She is certainly bringing with her championship-level knowledge that can aid the Redblacks and hopefully bring them closer to their winning ways.