Delaney Baie (DB) Pridham, who clinched the inaugural Golden Boot and Player of the Year titles in the Northern Super League, has prolonged her affiliation with Rapid FC until the end of the 2028 season. The 28-year-old athlete has netted 28 goals in the first two NSL campaigns and has made numerous appearances for the Canadian national women’s team. She is anticipated to be part of the squad this autumn as Canada aims to secure a spot in 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 expansive career, Pridham values her time playing in Ottawa, expressing her delight in the city’s beauty and the burgeoning support from the fan base.
Thomas Gilbert, the CEO of Rapid FC, expressed no surprise regarding Pridham’s decision to extend her tenure with the club, highlighting ongoing discussions dating back to the previous year. Emphasizing Pridham’s dedication and drive, Gilbert affirmed his confidence in reaching an agreement aligned with her merits.
The details of the contract extension remain undisclosed. In a notable development, former national team stalwart Carmelina Moscato has been appointed as the head coach of Ottawa for the upcoming season, succeeding Katrine Pederson. Moscato brings a wealth of coaching experience from various countries, underscoring the growing attraction of top-tier talent to the NSL.
Gilbert emphasized the league’s ambition to establish itself among the world’s premier leagues and cited recent high-profile signings as indicators of its progress. While player movements between leagues are a common occurrence, both Gilbert and NSL president Christina Litz prioritize proactive measures to enhance player retention through favorable conditions and contractual offerings.
Pridham revealed that a conversation with Moscato played a pivotal role in her decision to remain with Ottawa FC. She highlighted the NSL as a platform that provides invaluable playing time and experience, particularly for players aspiring to represent the national team. Recent acquisitions of prominent players like Sabrina D’Angelo, Shelina Zadorsky, and Marie-Yasmine (Mimi) Alidou underscore the league’s international appeal and strategic approach to talent recruitment.
Litz reiterated the league’s objective to ascend to the top echelon globally, with a focus on retaining top talent. The allure of playing in Canada and the proximity to family and friends serve as significant incentives for players opting to compete in the NSL. As the league continues to expand, new signings and contract extensions will serve as benchmarks of its growth and success. The dedication of players to bolster the league’s stature reflects a collective commitment to its advancement.
