A multi-talented athlete with an exceptional sporting background, Amanda Ruller is staking her claim on the gridiron. Having spent a handful of seasons with the Los Angeles Temptation, who called the world-renowned Memorial Coliseum home for the 2015 campaign, Ruller, who specializes at the running back position, is among the prized free-agent acquisitions for the Atlanta Steam.

One of the most promising stars in the Legends Football League, Ruller was raised in the football-mad province of Saskatchewan, (she would also make her mark in the beauty pageant circuit winning Miss Southern Saskatchewan and finishing in the top five for Miss Petite Canada), cheering for the iconic Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. Her enthusiasm for the gridiron has translated into a capable gridiron career.

Spending her off seasons as a certified personal trainer and exercise physiologist, she is well accustomed to bringing the best out of others and increasing their confidence. Consistently focused on continuously improving her game, with a focus on drills such as catching and footwork, she looks to set a positive example for her teammates through her own work ethic, as she is motivated to empower others.

With the Steam entering their fourth season in 2016, they have proven to be one of the most successful expansion teams in league history. Having qualified for the playoffs in every season of their existence, their next goal is to attain an elusive championship.

“First coming in and seeing the Atlanta Steam working one as a unit is inspiring. They make me feel like I want to push my limits and become a better football player as a whole.

They have some very talented and passionate women playing for them which are a good combination to make it all the way. I see all the players’ confidence in their performance at practice and I can say proudly that we are going to win the Legends Cup this season!”

Taking into account that Ruller brings solid postseason experience, as the Temptation have appeared for the last two Western Conference championship games, she will be prepared to make a significant contribution in the Steam’s push for a title. During the Steam training camp, of which Ruller was one of seven free agent pickups, she was impressed by the solid sense of team spirit, certainly a motivational factor in what she hopes will be her greatest season yet,

Although Ruller spent most of her time with the Temptation in a backup capacity to Carmen Bourseau (known affectionately among fans as the F-150), she proved to be highly dependable when needed. During the 2015 season, Ruller appeared in all six regular season games for the Temptation while also showing a willingness to learn by spending time on refining her game on defense.

Accounting for nearly 10% of the Temptation’s rushing attack, she would rank fourth in team rushing, although she would manage a solid 6.1 yards per carry. With such experience, Ruller exudes confidence heading into her inaugural season with the Steam, also bringing the potential for strong veteran leadership.

“I have had two years experience in the league which makes me someone that rookies can definitely look up to. A leader is someone people can look up to during the season that displays strength and confidence on and off the field. I believe that I possess these characters and that during the season others can look to me for strength and support to help bring up to a championship team.”

Part of what makes Ruller such an exceptional acquisition is her blazing speed. Capable of running a 4.75 in the 40-yard dash, Ruller is one of the fastest competitors in Legends Football League play. An exceptional student-athlete during her days at the University of Regina (in Saskatchewan), she was a star on the track and field team. Upon graduation, she would earn an opportunity to compete with Canada’s national bobsleigh and skeleton teams.

Ruller would sprint her way to multiple podium finishes in the Canada West Conference. Capturing a bronze medal for the 4×200 meter relay in 2009, she establish herself as a star in the 60-meter dash, claiming the silver medal in 2010, followed by a bronze in 2011. Subsequently, her talents were also on display at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport national championships.

Of note, she would set the program record for the fastest time in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.59 seconds (breaking her previous program record of 7.67). As a side note, she would play for the University’s varsity women’s soccer team in her freshman season.

With such speed, Ruller should propel herself into a key role on the Steam’s offense. Considering that the roster boasts one of the most popular talents in quarterback Dakota Hughes, along with MVP candidate Lauran Ziegler, Ruller provides significant depth to the offensive attack, while providing Hughes with another weapon on offense.

As the Steam’s biggest rival in the Eastern Conference is the Chicago Bliss, Ruller is highly motivated to help the club emerge victorious against them. During her time with the Temptation, Ruller was no stranger to intense rivalries as the one with the Mist was possibly the league’s biggest rivalry.

Understanding that any hopes at a title will go through Chicago, Ruller’s enthusiasm for the game and her new team is one that should help set a positive tone. Having witnessed first-hand the strong sense of friendship and community that exists between the Steam and their rabid fan base, it only increases Ruller’s eagerness for opening kickoff. In discussing what it will take to bring the elusive championship to Atlanta, her experience and maturity shines through, as her strong desire for success makes her an ideal fit for such an ambitious franchise.

“It will take hard work and dedication towards practice and team cohesion. I have already seen this team master both with hosting several fundraising events for the Steam while bonding with each other at the same time.

Everyone has made an effort to get to practice, watch film, learn plays and reach other to the coach when they need a better understanding of something. This is how a team comes together and wins as a team!”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”

To follow Amanda Ruller on social media, please visit:

https://twitter.com/Ruller2a

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