Accomplishing her wildest dreams Scott thrilled to play in historic Canadian women’s soccer league By: Ben Little Posted: 6:14 PM CDT Friday, Apr. 25, 2025

Three-time Olympic medallist Desiree Scott has one goal left to achieve in her storied soccer career — to star in Canada’s first-ever women’s professional soccer league.

Scott, 37, announced her retirement at the end of the 2024 season after 346 appearances at the club and national level.

After lots of deliberation and nudging from Diana Matheson, league co-founder and Scott’s former teammate, Scott was recruited to the upstart Northern Super League (NSL), joining Ottawa Rapid FC.

“At the end of the day, I was like ‘I do not want to have any regrets,’ and I knew I would regret not coming out of retirement and being a part of this historic league,” said Scott.

Canada was one of only two nations in the last FIFA women’s World Cup without a domestic league. That changed April 16, when Calgary Wild FC visited Vancouver Rise FC for a historic kickoff at BC Place.

Scott, who was born and raised in Winnipeg, said it’s always been a goal of hers to play professionally in Canada.

“I thought about playing in front of Canadian fans on home soil … to help the next generation and continue having impact were the reasons why (returning) was a no-brainer for me,” she said.

Scott’s 187 national team appearances rank fourth most all-time. During that time, she won Olympic gold in 2021 at the Tokyo Games and two back-to-back Olympic bronze medals at the London and Rio Games.

The defensive midfielder made her professional debut in 2013 with FC Kansas City of the National Women’s Soccer League. She enters her 12th professional season this year with Ottawa, having previously played for four different clubs.

She said a Canadian league gives young women more security in their athletic futures.

“Players would maybe get to their teenage years and be like ‘Now what?’” said Scott. “This league is providing a pathway from grassroots all the way to the pros.”

Scott was sidelined by a knee injury in 2022, causing her to miss the entire 2023 season. In March of last year, a couple of weeks before returning to the pitch, she lost her mother. But whispers of a new women’s league in Canada helped fuel her motivation to return.

“It kind of gave me a reason to keep fighting and keep going, knowing that this opportunity was here,” she said. “The opportunity of the (NSL), to write my own script and continue to have a legacy were all motivators for me to bounce back.”

Walt McKee, who coached Scott at the University of Manitoba, said her return comes as no surprise.

“One thing you have to know about Desiree — when she puts her mind to doing something, she’s going to do it,” said McKee.

“One thing you have to know about Desiree — when she puts her mind to doing something, she’s going to do it.”–Walt McKee

Scott played 64 games as a Bison. She holds program records for the most career points with 56, and most career assists with 31.

McKee said when he first met Scott, she told him she wanted to one day play for the national team.

“Right from the very first game, she made a difference,” said McKee. “On the field and off the field, she was a leader at all times.”

And, in fact, Scott was one of the first 100 inductees to the Canada West Hall of Fame in 2019.

McKee said he believes the NSL will give more exposure to female soccer players across the country — especially those in smaller provinces like Manitoba.

“I want to see our athletes stay in Canada,” said McKee. “Make our country better and stronger. That’s what I think (the NSL) is going to do.”

Christina Litz, president of the NSL, echoed McKee’s thoughts that a domestic league will put more of a spotlight on athletes across the country.

“Desi (Scott) wants girls in Winnipeg not to have to go through the incredible journey that she did to get where she is,” said Litz. “She will be the exception, not the rule.”

A fellow Winnipegger, Litz said she’s excited to work in the same league as Scott.

“Just being so proud to be from Winnipeg and just seeing what she brought to our national team,” said Litz. “If you’ve read anything about her journey, it is so incredible.”

The NSL is the latest rung on the ladder of women’s professional sport, where support and excitement continue to climb.

“This is kind of the business catching up with the athletes,” said Litz. “This is people consciously deciding that these athletes now deserve a spotlight that their male counterparts have had for decades.”

For Scott, a professional women’s league in Canada is a dream come true.

“The journey hasn’t always been easy,” said Scott. “I really didn’t think in my wildest dreams I would be where I am today.”

“Canadian people are leading the charge here,” she added. “It’s a league for Canadians, by Canadians, so there’s that passion piece to it.”

As for a message to the next generation of female athletes, Scott says the time is now.

“If young players can get out to those games, they can get in the stands, experience that atmosphere … you get that motivation of ‘Wow, this is women’s sport, this is amazing and could potentially be me one day.’”

Scott makes her NSL debut Sunday when Ottawa visits AFC Toronto. Kickoff is at 12 p.m. Winnipeg time and will be live on TSN.

And on May 31, Scott will make her 188th and final cap with the Canadian women’s national team, where she will be honoured in a friendly match against Haiti at Princess Auto Stadium.