Scott puts retirement on hold to join Ottawa’s NSL squad

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This article was published 14/01/2025 (585 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Desiree Scott isn’t quite ready to call it quits.

The Winnipeg native and international soccer star has put her retirement on hold, signing a contract with the Ottawa Rapid FC for their upcoming inaugural season in the Northern Super League (NSL).

“My goal is to continue growing the game, inspiring those around me, and helping to build this league alongside incredible teammates and friends like Diana Matheson, Steph Labbé, and Christine Sinclair,” Scott said in a press release from the club.

“We’ve long talked about the need for a professional league for Canadian athletes, and seeing it come to life is truly a dream come true.”

Scott, 37, had announced her retirement in October, seemingly putting an end to a decorated career that includes four Olympic Games and three medals, winning gold in Tokyo in 2021, as well as three World Cups. S

he was most recently with the NWSL’s Kansas City Current, where she spent the last three of her 10 seasons in the league, becoming the second Canadian in NWSL history to log 10,000 career minutes.

“My involvement in the league was inevitable, but in what role and then obviously the option of potentially playing I was like, hmm. I was on the tail end of wrapping things up in Kansas City and my retirement there and I was like do I still have what it takes?” Scott said.

“Tender age of 37, but I still have a lot of burn left in me. I have a lot of passion for this game. I have so much desire to continue to put Canada on the map, and now we have a pathway from grassroots all the way to pro.”

Before joining the Current, Scott spent time with the Utah Royals (2018-2020), FC Kansas City (2013, 2016-2017), Notts County (2014-2015), and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2006, 2010-2012).

“Having professional soccer come to Canada — the country I’ve been so fortunate to represent for so many years — is something we’ve all been fighting and waiting for,” added Scott.

“It’s incredibly exciting to be part of this league and to join Ottawa in its inaugural season.”

— staff with Canadian Press files