A former Karns City soccer player has found new success in women’s pro football with Pittsburgh Passion
CANTON, Ohio — An hour before the start of the Women’s Football Alliance Pro National Championship game Saturday afternoon, two patrons were wearing black-and-gold No. 35 jerseys while holding down spots at the bar in a Hall of Fame Village restaurant. The shirts were in support of Cameron Roofner, a Karns City graduate and East Brady resident, who is in her second season playing linebacker for the Pittsburgh Passion.
Roofner’s dad and his girlfriend each purchased jerseys.
“It means the world to me,” Roofner said. “The sport, the atmosphere and culture has been life changing. I couldn’t have asked for a better year this year, and I’m hoping to continue on.”
The Passion, who have bounced between several leagues since their formation in 2002, lost in their quest to capture a WFA championship for the first time, falling 42-14 to the Minnesota Vixen at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
Pittsburgh has won three championships, with the last coming as members of the Independent Women’s Football League in 2015. The Passion also won the IWFL in 2014 and the National Women’s Football Association championship in 2007.
Playing football has helped fill a void for Roofner. She was part of the highly successful Gremlins’ girls soccer program. Roofner had never considered playing football, nor was it an option for her growing up until the past few years.
“Childhood sports was a big part of my life,” Roofner said. “Once I graduated, I was still looking for that feeling.”
Roofner joined the team last season and helped Pittsburgh reach the National Conference championship game. It was the fourth time in the past five seasons the Passion had fallen a win short of the championship game.
When Roofner returned, Pittsburgh was determined to find a way to Canton. The Passion’s defense improved substantially, finishing fifth in the 10-team league by allowing 14.5 points per game.
Roofner earned All-Pro honors.
“Easier mentally, not physically,” Roofner said. “Last year was all about surviving. This year, I understood the football terms, the gap assignments and all that.”
Adding all the football knowledge keeps her busy, in addition to the extensive travel she has to her day job and to practice.
The Passion practice at Sto-Rox High School in McKees Rocks. Roofner works at a steel mill in Natrona Heights driving trains, typically assigned to the midnight shift.
Passion co-head coach and owner Teresa Conn, who is a Slippery Rock University graduate, said she’s pleased with how Roofner fits in. She’s also happy with the dedication of her players.
“We are around the 70 mark, which is a good place for us,” Conn said. “You have to account for a lot of things when people have full-time jobs, weddings and graduations.”
In the championship game, Pittsburgh had a hard time keeping up with an imposing Minnesota offensive and defensive line. The Passion fumbled on their first possession and the Vixen cashed it in for a touchdown.
Minnesota forced five turnovers — four fumbles and an interception — and built a 35-7 lead by halftime. Vixen quarterback Erin Kelley completed 15 of 20 passes for 152 yards to complement a strong running game led by Tiffany Wright.
Roofner was disappointed to not win a championship, but knows the road to the final took a strong collective effort.
“It takes a whole army to get here,” Roofner said. “We’re grateful to get this far.”
Roofner isn’t ready to hang it up, either. She wants to continue playing and make another trip to Canton next year.
“For as long as my body allows me,” Roofner said.
