Delaney Baie (DB) Pridham, the inaugural Golden Boot recipient and Player of the Year in the Northern Super League (NSL), has prolonged her association with Rapid FC until the culmination of the 2028 campaign. Aged 28, Pridham has netted 28 goals across the NSL’s initial two seasons and has made numerous appearances for the Canadian national women’s team. She is anticipated to feature in the upcoming fall roster as Canada vies for qualification to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Originally from Saratoga, California, Pridham, an alumna of Santa Clara University, has previously played for IBV in Iceland, as well as Kristianstads DFF and Linköpings FC in Sweden. Despite her international ventures, Pridham takes great pride in representing Ottawa.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Pridham stated, “I’m genuinely content here. Ottawa is a picturesque city, and our expanding fan base is truly remarkable.” Thomas Gilbert, the CEO of Rapid FC, expressed his lack of surprise at Pridham’s decision to extend her tenure with the club, citing ongoing discussions since the previous year regarding the contract extension.
The specific terms of the agreement remain undisclosed. Pridham is not the sole Canadian talent to join Ottawa, as former national team stalwart Carmelina Moscato has been appointed as the head coach for the upcoming season, succeeding Katrine Pederson. Moscato’s diverse coaching experience across various countries signifies the high-caliber talent being attracted to the NSL, reflecting positively on the league’s reputation.
Despite potential player movements to other leagues, both Gilbert and NSL president Christina Litz remain unfazed, focusing on proactively ensuring competitive conditions and contractual values to retain players within the league. Pridham disclosed that a conversation with Moscato influenced her decision to continue with Ottawa FC, emphasizing the positive impact of such discussions on her commitment to the club.
The NSL provides players with valuable playing time and exposure that may not be readily available at higher-tier international clubs, a crucial factor for those aspiring to represent the national team. Recent acquisitions of top talent such as Sabrina D’Angelo and Shelina Zadorsky at AFC Toronto, along with Marie-Yasmine (Mimi) Alidou at Montreal Roses, exemplify the league’s international appeal and strategic recruitment efforts.
Litz emphasized the league’s ambition to become a top-five global league, highlighting the significance of attracting and retaining premier talent as a key objective for the clubs and the league as a whole. The NSL’s emphasis on providing a homegrown platform for Canadian players, enabling them to stay close to their families and friends, plays a pivotal role in their decision-making process, contributing to the league’s growth and success.
As the NSL continues its expansion, player signings and contract extensions will serve as key indicators of its progress and attractiveness. The league’s ability to offer a familiar setting for Canadian players resonates deeply with the athletes, showcasing their dedication to nurturing and enhancing the league’s stature through their active participation and support.