Carlie Manners breaks barriers in Canadian University Football

For Carlie Manners, the path to becoming Assistant Offensive Line Coach for the University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s football team is a testament to resilience, passion, and a deep love for sports. As one of the few women coaching at this level in Canadian university football, Manners is helping redefine what’s possible in the sport.

Manners’ journey began on the basketball courts of Eastern Commerce Collegiate in Toronto, where she initially stood out as a softball player. The competitive spirit she honed during her early years led her to a four-year basketball career with the Algoma Thunderbirds. Her desire to compete also introduced her to football, a sport she played during high school and briefly during her undergraduate studies.

“When I was doing my master’s at the University of New Brunswick, I started playing senior women’s tackle football,” said Manners. 

“I fell in love with the environment, the people, and the culture.” 

And that love for football is what led to coaching opportunities with the York Region Lions’ under-18 women’s tackle program, where she discovered her natural ability to lead and teach.

Her coaching aspirations intensified when she began her PhD at the University of Toronto, where she seized the opportunity to immerse herself in the Varsity Blues football program. 

“I wanted to grow my knowledge and get more experience coaching a five-surface offensive line,” said Manners. 

“Being part of this coaching staff has been incredibly rewarding.”

In 2024, Manners took on the role of Head Coach for the under-18 Women’s Tackle Team Ontario, leading the team to a national championship victory. 

“We quickly realized we had the talent to win it all,” she said. 

“It was about putting the pieces in place, fostering a strong team culture, and helping athletes see their potential.”

Reflecting on the journey, Manners highlights the rapid growth and enthusiasm within the program. 

“When we started, our ID camps in 2022 had around 24 athletes, but by 2024, over 100 athletes were eager to join,” she said. 

For young women considering a future in football, whether as players or coaches, Manners offers straightforward advice: take the first step. 

“Right now, the women’s tackle space is full of opportunities,” said Manners. “Yes, it’s nerve-wracking to start, but the key is to put yourself out there.”

She believes that football offers a unique avenue for empowerment, particularly for young women. 

“There’s this perception that women’s tackle football is ‘soft,’ or that women aren’t naturally aggressive,” she said. 

“That couldn’t be further from the truth. These athletes hit hard, they’re competitive, and they’re just as capable as their male counterparts.”

Balancing her role as a coach with her academic pursuits has been a challenge Manners embraces. Now in the sixth year of her PhD in Caribbean history, she also teaches at the university, bringing her passion for history into the classroom.

Far from being conflicting paths, Manners sees her dual roles as complementary. 

“Being an athlete has helped me as an academic, and vice versa,” she said. 

“Both require discipline, focus, and the ability to adapt.”

Manners says the football culture at the University of Toronto is what drew her in. For her, the role with the Varsity Blues allows her to give back to the sport that has shaped so much of her life. 

“Being part of U SPORTS football, which gave me so much as an athlete, and now being able to contribute as a coach is incredibly fulfilling.”

Looking ahead, Manners is focused on helping the Varsity Blues build a program rooted in respect, love and trust—values instilled by Head Coach Darell Adams. 

“We’re building something important here,” said Manners. 

“Success isn’t just a destination; it’s a process. And we’re laying the foundation for long-term growth.”