Vancouver Rise add star Canadian midfielder Quinn to growing roster

Seattle Reign midfielder Quinn, center, moves the ball against North Carolina Courage midfielder Denise O'Sullivan (10) and midfielder Manaka Matsukubo (34) during the first half of an NWSL soccer match, Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, in Seattle. Vancouver Rise FC signed Canadian midfielder Quinn to the roster ahead of the inaugural Northern Super League season. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Rise FC has signed a marquee player, adding Canadian midfielder Quinn to the roster ahead of the inaugural Northern Super League season.

The 29-year-old Toronto native has made more than 100 appearances for Canada, helping the country to Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games and bronze at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Quinn comes to Vancouver following six seasons with the Seattle Reign where they won the National Women’s Soccer League Shield in 2022.

“I’m so excited to come home and play professional soccer in Canada,” said Quinn. “With Vancouver Rise FC, we hope to inspire a new generation of talented young athletes in Canada and beyond.”

The five-foot-10 midfielder also spent time with Paris FC in France, Swedish side Vittsjo GIK and the NWSL’s Washington Spirit.

They became the first openly transgender, nonbinary athlete to win an Olympic medal in 2021 and to play at the FIFA World Cup in 2023.

Rise sporting director Stephanie Labbe says in a release that Quinn has always been a trailblazer, and is a player who will both elevate Vancouver’s team and be a role model for young Canadians.

“Having Quinn be a part of Vancouver Rise FC is a game-changing moment, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have someone of their quality on the pitch,” Labbe said.

“Quinn is bold, and real, and everyone who crosses paths with them understands the power of being authentically you, and how that can elevate yourself and everyone around you. I am so proud that our supporters get the chance to cheer for someone of their quality, and I know Quinn will be a force to be reckoned with in our league.”

The new league kicks off April 16. The Rise will play home games at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, B.C.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 15, 2025.

The Canadian Press