Date: Friday, March 13, 2025
Canadian international becomes first academy graduate transferred from Rise FC
VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Rise FC announced on Friday that the club has transferred winger Holly Ward to National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Seattle Reign FC for an undisclosed transfer fee. This marks the first transfer of a Rise FC Academy graduate through the club.
“The Northern Super League was built to give players opportunities in our country, and Holly has taken that opportunity and thrived,” said Stephanie Labbé, Rise FC sporting director. “This is a landmark moment for our club, to see a player come through our pathway and show every player in our academy what's possible. We have seen her rise through our club from hometown prospect to Canadian national team player, and NSL championship hero. Holly is not the first player from our academy to move into a professional career, but she is the first to begin her professional career with her hometown team and earn a transfer which will benefit her, the club, and the league. Participating in the global transfer market is key to the growth of the NSL, and there is a wealth of Canadian talent who will continue to come through our pathway and help us compete for trophies.”
Ward, 22, originally joined the Rise FC Academy (formerly Whitecaps FC Girls Elite Academy) in August 2018. In February 2025, Ward returned to her hometown to sign her first professional contract with Vancouver Rise FC. The North Vancouver, BC native would go on to start 27 of her 28 appearances in her rookie season, scoring eight goals and adding five assists. Her rise culminated in the NSL championship match, when she scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over AFC Toronto to lift the inaugural Diana B. Matheson Cup.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” said Ward on her move. “Having a professional league in Canada and playing for Rise FC in my hometown has been a dream come true for me. I’m so proud of what we were able to achieve in this first year, winning the NSL championship. There is now a pathway for every young player to achieve their dreams, and I am excited to see more players from the academy play for the club. Leaving Rise FC is obviously bittersweet, but I’m extremely grateful for everything the club has done for me and I’m super excited for this next chapter of my career.”
During her time with Rise FC, Ward earned her first call-up to Canada’s senior women’s national team, and on June 3 against Haiti she became the first NSL player to score a goal for Canada
“We are very proud of what Holly was able to accomplish with us at Vancouver Rise FC, and we wish her great success in her next steps,” added Anja Heiner-Møller, Rise FC head coach. “Vancouver is Holly's hometown, she had her academy years here, so of course we are extra happy to see a local player taking these big steps within our environment. Holly came to us with a smile, she challenged her opponents with her incredible 1v1 skills, and then she smiled again afterwards. Humble, hard-working, and a good teammate are words that any player or staff would use to describe Holly. She made her first call-ups with the Canadian national team as a Rise FC player and she is now ready to take her next step.”
Rise FC kick off their 2026 season in a highly anticipated NSL championship rematch against AFC Toronto on Friday, April 24 at Swangard Stadium. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. PT, with single-match tickets available at vanrisefc.com/tickets. Fans eager to secure their spot for the home opener can do so now by purchasing a Champions Flex Pack or becoming a Rise FC Season Ticket Member.
Season Ticket Memberships start at just $259 and include all 13 home matches, flexible payment plans, and new options such as Youth Memberships and Grounds Passes, making it easier than ever to be part of the action.
The Champions Flex Pack offers a flexible alternative, anchored by the Home Opener on Friday, April 24 vs. AFC Toronto, plus two additional matches of choice, starting at $99.