Delaney Baie (DB) Pridham, who clinched the Northern Super League’s inaugural Golden Boot and Player of the Year titles, has prolonged her affiliation with Rapid FC until the conclusion of the 2028 campaign. The 28-year-old has netted 28 goals in the NSL’s initial two seasons and boasts a notable track record with the Canadian national women’s team. She is anticipated to feature on the squad this autumn as Canada aims to secure a spot in the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
A native of Saratoga, Calif., Pridham, an alumna of Santa Clara University, has previously competed with IBV in Iceland and Kristianstads DFF and Linköpings FC in Sweden. However, her devotion lies in representing Ottawa.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Pridham stated, “Being a part of such a robust club with our new owners’ visionary approach for the club’s future thrilled me. I am truly content here. Ottawa is a captivating city, and our fan base is flourishing.”
Thomas Gilbert, the CEO of Rapid FC, expressed no surprise regarding Pridham’s decision to extend her tenure at the club. Gilbert affirmed ongoing discussions with Pridham since the previous year regarding this move. He emphasized Pridham’s unwavering dedication and drive, underscoring his confidence that a suitable offer would culminate in an agreement, respecting her merit.
While the specifics of the contract extension remain undisclosed, Pridham is not the sole Canadian talent transitioning to Ottawa. Carmelina Moscato, a former national team stalwart, has been appointed as Ottawa’s head coach for the forthcoming season, succeeding Katrine Pederson. Moscato’s coaching experience spans across the U.S., Denmark, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia.
Gilbert perceives Moscato’s recruitment as emblematic of the elite talent attracted to the NSL, validating the league’s caliber. He envisions the NSL as aspiring to be a premier global league, with recent high-profile signings like Pridham and Moscato illustrating significant strides in that direction.
Regarding player movement between leagues, Gilbert and NSL president Christina Litz view talent flux as a regular consideration, emphasizing proactive measures to ensure competitive conditions and contract values that incentivize players to remain in the league.
Additionally, the NSL’s appeal lies in providing playing time and exposure essential for players aspiring to national team selection, emphasizing the league’s pivotal role in nurturing top-tier talent. Recent acquisitions such as Sabrina D’Angelo and Shelina Zadorsky at AFC Toronto and Marie-Yasmine (Mimi) Alidou at Montreal Roses underscore the league’s international flair and diverse player representation.
Litz envisions the NSL as a top-five global league, with premier players opting to invest their careers in the league, reaffirming its trajectory. The league’s emphasis on fostering talent growth and the unique appeal of playing in Canada with proximity to family and friends are driving forces behind player commitments to the NSL’s development and success.