Delaney Baie (DB) Pridham, the first player to win the Golden Boot and Player of the Year awards in the Northern Super League (NSL), has prolonged her contract with Rapid FC until the 2028 season. With 28 goals in the initial two NSL seasons and national team appearances for Canada, Pridham is set to join the squad this autumn for a shot at qualifying for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Originally from Saratoga, Calif., Pridham, an alumna of Santa Clara University, has played for various teams globally, including IBV in Iceland and Kristianstads DFF and Linköpings FC in Sweden. Despite her international experience, Pridham finds pride in representing Ottawa.
Expressing her excitement about the club’s future under new ownership, Pridham stated, “I’m thrilled to be part of such a strong club with a clear vision. Ottawa is a beautiful city, and our fan base is phenomenal and growing.”
Rapid FC’s CEO, Thomas Gilbert, shared his lack of surprise at Pridham’s decision to stay, emphasizing her dedication and drive. The specific terms of the contract extension were not disclosed.
Pridham is not the only notable Canadian figure to join Ottawa, as former national team player Carmelina Moscato has been appointed as the head coach for the upcoming season, succeeding Katrine Pederson. Moscato’s coaching background across various countries underscores the high-caliber talent being attracted to the NSL, a trend that Gilbert believes reflects positively on the league’s progress.
While player mobility between leagues is a common occurrence, both Gilbert and NSL president Christina Litz prioritize creating an environment that encourages players to remain within the league by offering favorable conditions and competitive contract values.
Pridham’s decision to consult with Moscato before extending her stay at Ottawa FC highlights the supportive environment within the club. The NSL provides players with playing time and exposure crucial for national team aspirations, attracting top talents like Sabrina D’Angelo, Shelina Zadorsky, and Marie-Yasmine (Mimi) Alidou to various teams within the league.
Litz emphasized the league’s ambition to become a top-five global league, with player decisions like Pridham’s reinforcing the positive trajectory. The ability for Canadian players to compete at a high level while remaining close to home serves as a significant motivator for many athletes, fostering a sense of personal commitment to the league’s growth and success.