Essi Saastamoinen

How old are you?

I'm 28.

 

When did you start playing American football?

2017.


How/why did you get started?

​I played Finnish baseball for 13 years, and then I moved to Kuopio in 2017. Baseball had started to feel a bit boring after so long, so I wanted to try something new and challenge myself more. I heard that there was an American football open practice so I just went to see what was happening. It was a totally new sport for me but soon I realized that I'm quite good at it. During the first season people came to ask how long I'd been playing and what sports I had played before, and right after my first season I got invited to the national team selection camp. After that everything happened fast and I have been honored to be involved in many things.
 

With what teams have you played? Where are you playing for 2021?

  • 2018 - 2019 with Kuopio Steelers
  • 2020 - currently with Turku Trojans
 

Do you coach, are you on any boards or committees, or are you somehow involved in the sport outside of just playing it?

I'm coaching the juniors and I'm member of the Board in SAJL [Finnish American Football Association]. 
 

What is your biggest challenge related to football?

I started to play when I was 25 years old, so quite late haha! I try to improve myself every day I don't give an advantage to others who have played longer. I wish I had found American football earlier.

What is your biggest football-related accomplishment?

Winning the 2019 European Championship. I have lead tackling stats twice in the Women's Maple League (2019 and 2020), and I was named the 2020 Defender of the Year 2020 in Women's Maple League.

What is your next football goal?

I want to go play abroad -- I just haven't found the right team yet!
 

How do you feel InsideRun represents you and the sport?

InsideRun represents hard work. Everything I have achieved has come from hard work. I believe good things happen when you are ready to work for it!
 

What opportunities has football given you?

So many! But, for example, I was the first female commentator in a Men's Maple League game -- that was fun! 
 

What lessons has football taught you?

Nothing happens if you are not ready to work for it. If you want to succeed you need to give it all from your heart. Less is not enough!
 

Do you have a favorite football story about teamwork?

Every story with my team is my favourite -- haha!