Canadian defender Shannon Woeller 1st player to sign with NSL’s Vancouver Rise

Shannon Woeller, a Canadian defender, has come full circle in her soccer career. From cheering on her hometown Vancouver Whitecaps at Swangard Stadium as a child to now signing with the Vancouver Rise in the newly created Northern Super League, Woeller is set to inspire the next generation of soccer stars.

The announcement of Woeller as the first player signing in club history has brought excitement to the Vancouver soccer community. The 34-year-old athlete expressed her joy at returning home to play and help grow Canadian women’s football. Woeller’s leadership and professionalism will set the tone for the Rise, according to Sinead King, the club’s president.

The Rise has also made a strategic move by appointing Anja Heiner-Moller as the head coach. With experience coaching Denmark’s U-19 women’s team and previous stints in Vancouver, Heiner-Moller brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. Woeller, who played under Heiner-Moller during her time on the national squad, was eager to join the Rise after hearing about the club’s vision and organization.

Having played professionally in various leagues around the world, Woeller brings a wealth of experience to the Rise. Her time in countries like Norway, Iceland, Germany, Spain, and Sweden has provided her with valuable lessons in tactics, technique, and physicality. Woeller acknowledges the challenges of playing overseas, including being far from family and adapting to new cultures and languages.

The creation of the Northern Super League has been a game-changer for Canadian players like Woeller. The opportunity to play professionally in their home country and provide young girls with role models to look up to is invaluable. Woeller believes that having regular professional women’s soccer games in Vancouver will make a significant impact on the local community.

As Woeller prepares to lace up for the Rise in the upcoming season, she is excited about the prospect of giving back to the sport that has given her so much. Her journey from a young fan in the stands to a professional player on the field is a testament to her dedication and passion for the game. Vancouver soccer fans can look forward to seeing Woeller in action and supporting the Rise as they embark on their inaugural season in the Northern Super League.