At the end of the 2025 Northern Super League (NSL) season with Ottawa Rapid FC, CANWNT legend Desiree Scott will retire from professional soccer club play, the club announced today.
“Being a part of the Northern Super League and representing the Ottawa Rapid in its historic, inaugural season has been an amazing journey,” said Scott. “Closing out the final chapter of my playing career here on Canadian soil, in front of incredible fans in a professional league once dreamed of, has been my honour.”
“In
reflection, I only hope that in my time playing for the Ottawa Rapid, I’ve helped inspire those around me through my play and my tenacious yet joyful spirit on the pitch,” Scott added. “It has been so cool to be a part of the first chapter of this league, to help put down the building blocks of a winning culture, and to see the product it is producing and the places it will go in the future.”
“I’m so grateful for this part of my journey and to have had the opportunity to represent the city of Ottawa, its fans, and this club. Thank you to my good friend Diana [Matheson] and her team who have worked countless hours to bring this league to fruition — we are all so lucky! Thank you as well to the staff, coaches, and my wonderful teammates at Ottawa Rapid for bringing this Destroyer home, creating unforgettable memories, and allowing me to be part of something truly special.”
Internationally, Scott had a legendary career where she earned 188 caps with the Canada Women’s National Team. Scott was a part of the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Bronze Medal teams, and the unforgettable 2020 Olympic Gold Medal winning squad.
“Canada, keep showing up, supporting, and investing in this league — because we need you to be successful! It has been a wonderful ride. This is me saying thank you to the sport that gave me more than I could ever have asked for. There’s still work to be done though, as we prepare for playoffs and the ultimate goal of lifting that trophy.”
“Coming into our inaugural season we were committed to setting the tone of our club, committed to establishing the highest level of performance, professionalism, and integrity,” said Thomas Gilbert, CEO of Ottawa Rapid FC. “From day 1, Desiree Scott embodied what we aspire to be as a club, as a league, and as Canadians. She humbly leads and supports her team, she is unbound by expectations or limitations, and she works with a drive and perseverance that is inspiring not just to her teammates on the field, but to the whole organization. Through this season, Desiree Scott hasn’t just made Rapid FC better, she has defined what it means to be a member of this organization. As an organization we are deeply grateful and honoured that we have had the opportunity to participate in a small chapter of the legacy that Desiree has established for this sport and this country.”
“Desiree’s impact on Canadian soccer goes well beyond her performances on the field,” said Technical Director Kristina Kiss. “She has shown countless young women across the country that a professional career in the game is possible, and she has paved the way for future generations to follow. Inside our own locker room, she has been a steady presence — a leader who brings out the best in her teammates through her example, her voice, and her unwavering commitment. We are grateful for everything she has given to the sport and to Ottawa Rapid FC.”
The club will hold a special celebration of her career on October 8 at TD Place, the final home regular season match for Ottawa Rapid FC.
