Sarah Keilty-Dilling’s story is one of perseverance. She was one of the first signings Calgary Wild FC made, but she’s had to wait a long time to get her shot in goal. Goalkeepers came and goalkeepers went, and they were all put ahead of Keilty-Dilling. “It was hard,” said Keilty-Dilling. “That’s the easiest way to put it—the simplest way to put it—I guess. Definitely a lesson in patience and perseverance. “All I can say is it’s worth it in the end, though.” Making the most of opportunity Keilty-Dilling finally got her chance on Aug. 29 when she battled Vancouver to a 2-2 draw. Since then, she has three wins, a loss and a pair of draws. On top of that, she has four clean sheets. Keilty-Dilling says she can’t believe how it all worked out. “It’s like a storybook, right?” she said. “You can’t make that up, how it actually happened—that’s what dreams are made of. “It’s incredible, and an incredible ride, and I’m so proud of the way the group specifically has finished the season.” The chance Keilty-Dilling finally received coincided with the change in the coaching staff. Head coach Leah Blayney says Keilty-Dilling deserved it. “It’s the true story of good character and just putting your head down and working hard, and that’s what Sarah has done,” Blayney said. Teammates happy Grace Stordy was with Keilty-Dilling right from the start with the Wild. She says she’s so happy for her friend. “I’ll never forget when she stepped on the field for the first time—it was well-deserved and had been a long time coming,” Stordy said. “I don’t know anyone in my life who works as hard as she does—I think her being at the Wild and showing up and coming every day and giving 110 per cent is a testament to her as a player but also to her as a human. “She’s the most deserving, and I’m super proud of her.” Giving back Keilty-Dilling is from Calgary and is a big believer in giving back. That’s why she started Keepers Corner. It gives underprivileged children a chance to go to Wild games for free. She says it’s the least she can do. “This community—this city—is where I grew up,” she said. “It’s where people raised me, and so I have the opportunity to give back to those people and to this community, and I’m going to take it. “What goes around comes around, so life is about being a good person and doing what you can for others and taking care of others, and life will take care of you.” Keilty-Dilling and the Wild wrap up the regular season Sunday afternoon in Vancouver.
