One of the Northern Super League’s founding goals was to develop the next generation of Canadian stars. Just months into its debut season, the NSL has already unveiled several gems—but few shine brighter than Rise FC’s Holly Ward.
The 21-year-old forward may be in her first professional season, but already she’s been able to make a big impact for both the club and country. From her standout performance in the league-opener at BC Place to making a national team debut to scoring and assisting for a Player of the Match performance for Canada, Ward has had a whirlwind of success over the last few months. But the Vancouver native has been able to take it all in stride, thanks to who she is.
“Holly is a player and a person that shows you right away how she approaches the world and the people around her,” said Rise FC Head Coach Anja Heiner-Møller. “She meets new people and situations with a positive mindset and wants to make the most out of it.”
Transitioning to professional soccer isn’t easy, especially in a new league. Ward excelled at the collegiate and semi-pro levels, but the intensity of the NSL demanded adjustment. “It’s been a lot of new things, a lot of travel, and a lot of soccer,” Ward admitted. “But all of those are great things so I’ve been so lucky to experience all of this. It’s been a lot mentally which is something I’m constantly focusing on as the mental game is just as important as the physical game!”
The focus has paid off. Despite facing some of the country’s most seasoned defenders, Ward has been able to translate that positive mindset into being a dangerous and exciting attacker. Whether it's beating her marker on a half-turn or leaving defenders in her dust once she starts
running, it’s Ward’s fearlessness that fuels her drive to succeed.
“On the field when she receives the ball to feet, she sees opportunity first… and she goes for it,” adds Heiner-Møller. “Same thing when she enters a room, she wears a positive mindset and that makes a great impact on the team.”
Her maturity, combined with tactical intelligence and direct style, has caught not only local attention but national attention too. Already in her short-lived career, Ward has been called-up and made her debut for the Canadian Women’s National Team.
“I think she’s come in [to camp] and done really well,” said Canada’s Head Coach Casey Stoney. “She’s fearless. I really like that about her… she’s a bit of an old school winger like that, very direct. She’ll go inside, she’ll go outside and she can play with both feet. “I was a defender, and you don’t want to play against wingers like that!” High praise from one of England’s best-ever defenders.
It’s a testament to Ward’s talent that in just two appearances for Canada, she already has a goal and an assist to her name. Her ability to adapt and connect with new teammates is almost as talented as her ability to beat players and kick-off attacks. It’s no wonder then that Ward is already becoming a mainstay in the Canada call-ups, as she was included in the upcoming camp against Costa Rica and the United States, continuing to represent both Rise FC and the NSL at the international level.
“It’s just about us supporting her growth now and making sure we put her in the right moments and give her the right opportunities” Stoney noted.
Luckily for both Ward and Rise FC fans, this is just the beginning of Ward’s journey. Despite already achieving some massive milestones in her first season, her ambition remains strong. “I’m really chasing my first NSL goal!” she explained.
It’s only a matter of time until she is able to celebrate her first goal for Rise FC with her teammates. Until then, one thing’s certain: Holly Ward will keep shining bright - both on and off the pitch.