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In the evolving story of Canadian women’s soccer, a new chapter has been written, and Holly Ward is the author.
Born and raised in Vancouver, Ward made history as the first Northern Super League player to score for the Canadian Women’s National Team. For her, the goal wasn’t just a stat sheet highlight, but it was the realization of a childhood dream long in the making, and a signal to young players across the country: the future of Canadian women’s soccer is here, and it’s local.
GOAL 🇨🇦🇨🇦
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) June 4, 2025
Holly Ward scores her first #CanWNT goal, on another header set up by Jessie Fleming 🔥
🔴 Watch LIVE on OneSoccer pic.twitter.com/ok2YkfozEp
“This is just my second call-up,” Ward shared in a recent interview. “It’s a dream I’ve had for so long. Now that it’s happened, I’m just trying to take it day by day. Small steps, big goals.”
Ward’s career is soaring at a moment of national transformation. For decades, the absence of a professional women’s league in Canada left young players looking abroad. But with the birth of the Northern Super League, a door has opened — and Ward has sprinted through it.
“I used to think Europe or the U.S. were the only real options,” she admits. “It never even crossed my mind that we could have a professional league in Canada. And now that we do? It’s incredible.”
For Ward, joining the national team during this new era under fresh leadership has been equally empowering. “The coaching staff has built a culture that’s all about long-term vision, but grounded in the work we put in every day,” she says. “Even if I’m only here for two camps, they’ve made me feel like I’m part of something bigger.”
Off the pitch, Ward credits her journey to a supportive circle of family and friends — especially her parents, who never pushed but always showed up. “They let me make my own choices and supported me unconditionally,” she says. “That freedom to explore and even make mistakes helped shape who I am.”
She also offers honest advice to the next generation of players, particularly girls wondering how to chase their dreams in a sport that’s still growing. “There’s no one path,” she says. “Some thrive in college in the U.S., others might do better in Europe or now, right here in Canada. The key is knowing what environment helps you grow.”
Looking back, Ward admits she never imagined the current reality. “When I was younger, I didn’t even register that a Canadian pro league was possible. But now it’s here in our country, in our cities. And that changes everything.”
Holly Ward’s journey is personal, but it’s also national. Her success carries a message far beyond one match or one goal: Canadian girls don’t need to look elsewhere to dream big. The dream now plays out at home.
And for Canadian soccer fans, Holly’s historic goal wasn’t just for the scoreboard — it was a sign of what’s to come.
Asked what she would say to her 12-year-old self, she smiles. “Not making a team, not starting a game — it can feel like the end of the world. But it’s not. Surround yourself with people who support you for who you are, not just what you do on the field. And don’t let any one moment define your future.”
