As she prepares for the first-ever Northern Super League season, Ottawa Rapid FC midfielder Miranda Smith feels right at home. Smith has joined her hometown club after playing overseas.
Growing up, Smith played youth soccer for teams across Ottawa including the Gloucester Hornets, Cumberland Cobras, and Capital United.
At 18 years old, she moved to the U.S., joining the University of Memphis women’s soccer team. Smith says she did not feel trusted by her coaches and, as a result, never felt comfortable during her three years in Memphis.
“I had just become like a shell of myself as a player but also as a person,” she said.
In 2017, Smith decided to return home and study at the University of Ottawa. Initially unsure whether she would continue playing, Smith was encouraged to join the uOttawa women’s soccer team by head coach Steve Johnson. She said his coaching helped Smith regain her confidence on and off the field.
“ The playing style that Steve Johnson used was more suited to my game. It was more of a possession-based approach,” said Smith.
During her two years at uOttawa, Smith became a two-time OUA East all-star and a key component of the Gee-Gees midfield.
“ Miranda’s not a big player, but she plays big,” said Johnson. “She has a high compete level and really good consistency.”
Smith was also a member of the Gee-Gees’ 2018 U SPORTS national championship-winning team. She scored the title-clinching goal and was awarded tournament MVP.
“ It’s hard to even find the words (to describe) how magical that season was,” said Smith. “It couldn’t get any better.”
Smith won the FISU University World Cup the following summer before beginning her professional career. She has since played in Finland, Iceland, France and Israel.
“I’ve loved my experiences abroad, but I feel like I’ve been the best version of myself as a player when I’m at home in Canada,” she explained.
Naturally, when Smith heard about a new professional women’s soccer league in Canada, she was immediately interested in joining.
“To have the opportunity to play for my hometown again is special. There’s so much pride in that. Also, I feel like it’s a part of history.”
The Northern Super League kicks off in April with teams in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary and Halifax. It’s Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league.
The NSL was founded by former Canadian National Team player Diana Matheson. She recognized that without a domestic women’s soccer league, Canadian players had to spend their careers abroad in order to play professionally. Thus, following her retirement in 2021, Matheson began planning the NSL alongside Thomas Gilbert, who now serves as CEO of Ottawa Rapid FC.
“I think it’s a big bonus,” said Steve Johnson. “I think players are going to be able to see a pathway to professional soccer (in Canada).”
Heidi Bloomfield, chief sport officer of Ottawa Rapid FC, agrees. “For the women who have played for the love of the game, this is a well-deserved achievement that paves the way for current and future generations,” she said in a Feb. 20 press release announcing the team’s regular season schedule.
At 28 years old, the league also presents a unique personal milestone for Smith.
“My parents have never seen me play a professional game,” she said. “Seeing them in the stands will be a special, special moment.”
Ottawa Rapid FC will play their opening match against AFC Toronto on April 27 at TD Place. The game will also be available on TSN.
