Salmon Bay Stories: The Oar

The Salmon Bay Stories are a collection of short stories from the 2025 inaugural season that have yet to be told in full to the public. The first of these stories focuses on a matchday tradition inspired by the club’s connection to water: the oar.

The concept of the oar was created and brought to life by the trio of assistant coach Elliott Miller, Vice President Tiffany Mallick, and Mallick’s partner, Kanoe Barlow.

When asked about the oar, Mallick stated, “The purpose of the oar is to honor our maritime history in Ballard. It symbolizes our commitment to pushing for change in women’s sports and serves as a way to celebrate our players’ success each match and throughout the season.The celebration of the oar creates a collective moment, one that unites the team, our supporters, and the broader community. It reflects the pride we have in representing our neighborhood and highlights the deep connection between Ballard’s maritime heritage and the strength, resilience, and progress of women’s sports. Through this tradition, we honor where we come from while celebrating who we are becoming together.”

Ever since the club’s first-ever home match, a 4–0 victory over Spokane Shadow SC, the oar has been present at every Salmon Bay FC match, traveling with the team on the road as well.

Mallick continued, “The oar is brought to every match as a good luck symbol. Players celebrate goals with it, and it is awarded to the Player of the Match, who signs it.”

The oar gets busier and busier each match as every Player of the Match, selected by Head Coach Malia Arrant, signs their name onto it.

Although the tradition will continue each season, there is no concern about the oar becoming too crowded with signatures. Mallick explained that the club plans to “have a new oar that has a customized design each year because every season is special, and every player leaves a lasting impact on our history.”

The first player to receive the oar was Samiah Shell, who scored the first goal in club history against the Shadow on her way to earning Player of the Match honors. Joining her as signees of the oar are Hallie Bergford, Amelia Severn, Keeley Dockter, Maia Tabion, Kaya Hanson (2), Ella Hatteberg (2), Sadie Sider-Echenberg, and Anna Menti.

Mallick added that “the oar is an authentic, intentional, and meaningful tradition wholeheartedly embraced by our Salmon Bay FC players.”

After each match, the entire team would gather for a photo with the oar as the Player of the Match held it aloft. These team photos are featured below in the gallery.

Written by Max Dresbach