Quinn excited by Northern Soccer League opportunity, says ‘sky is the limit’ for Canadian talent
Quinn’s Journey: From Fan to Pioneer in Canadian Women’s Soccer
As a young and aspiring soccer player, Quinn would eagerly check the local newspaper for the next time the Canadian women’s soccer team would play in Toronto. Growing up, opportunities to watch professional women’s sports were scarce, but whenever the national team came to town, Quinn begged their parents to go watch.
Fast forward to today, Quinn has spent over a decade on the CanWNT, clinching two Olympic medals and making history as the first openly transgender and nonbinary athlete to medal at the Games. And now, they are checking off another bucket list item by playing professionally in Canada for the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) season.
“I’ve always wanted to be in Vancouver. So it’s exciting to see that finally come to fruition,” Quinn expressed after signing with Vancouver FC Rise. “I’m thrilled to go to Toronto, defeat Toronto, and then have dinner with my family. Having them watch me play is something I never thought I’d see in my lifetime.”
The NSL, set to launch in April, marks the first Canadian pro soccer league for women, a milestone Quinn believes is long overdue. They view this as a turning point for soccer in Canada and are excited about the impact it will have on the next generation of footballers.
“It’s inspiring for young players to see that they can achieve their dreams. It gives them another pathway to follow,” Quinn remarked. “The talent we can nurture in this country is limitless.”
The NSL has attracted other national team players like Emma Regan, Latifah Abdu, Desiree Scott, Erin McLeod, and Christabel Oduro. Quinn sees their involvement as a testament to the league’s potential to compete at the highest level globally and develop top-tier talent in Canada.
With the CanWNT gearing up for the Pinatar Cup in Spain, where they will face China, Mexico, and Taiwan, Quinn’s move to Vancouver coincides with a new chapter under recently appointed head coach Casey Stoney. The team is looking ahead to upcoming major tournaments and building a strong foundation for the future.
As veteran players like Desiree Scott, Sophie Schmidt, and Christine Sinclair retire, Quinn is prepared to step into a leadership role. “Embracing our roles as veterans is an exciting prospect as we welcome a new generation of athletes,” Quinn stated. “With incredible talent emerging like Simi and Jade, we’re looking at a new era for the team.”
The journey from a young fan eagerly watching games in Toronto to a trailblazing athlete and leader in Canadian women’s soccer showcases Quinn’s resilience, passion, and commitment to pushing boundaries in the sport. Their presence in the NSL and continued success on the CanWNT are testaments to the power of perseverance and representation in sports.
