A Chatham-Kent footballer is back home after winning a silver medal at the 2025 U18 Women’s Tackle National Championship.
Paisley Fraleigh was one of 25 girls chosen to represent Team Ontario.
Chosen to play linebacker and defensive back, she helped the team win both of its group games to advance to the championship game. That's where Team Ontario fell to Team Alberta 27-19 in overtime.
"It's still a little disappointing we didn't win the gold," Fraleigh told CK News Today.
She did say she's proud to be back home with a medal, though it wasn't the one she wanted.
Fraleigh plans on turning the loss into a positive.
"I honestly will use it as motivation and will keep working until next year," she added.
The whole experience for Fraleigh was something she'll remember for the rest of her life. While this was the first time she left Ontario, this was also the first time she got to play girls from outside of the province.
"It was cool to see the best-of-the-best in Canada," said Fraleigh.
Meanwhile, Fraleigh is hoping her experience at the championship will encourage other girls across Chatham-Kent to take up football.