Former Gee-Gees star Miranda Smith signs with Ottawa Rapid FC

Former Gee-Gees star Miranda Smith signs with Ottawa Rapid FC

January 14, 2025

Miranda Smith returns to her hometown and the newly formed professional Northern Super League after playing at international level.

Published on January 13, 20251 minute read

File photo: Miranda Smith is seen during a game against Beijing Normal University at the 2019 FISU University World Cup.
File photo: Miranda Smith is seen battling for the ball during a game against Beijing Normal University at the 2019 FISU University World Cup. Photo by FISU

Ottawa Rapid FC has made a momentous addition with the signing of midfielder Miranda Smith, a key member of the University of Ottawa's 2018 championship soccer team.

Article content

Article content

Smith returns to her hometown and the newly created professional Northern Super League after playing internationally.

“Playing overseas has made me even more grateful for the opportunity to return home,” said Smith. “It has been an incredible experience, but it did not come without its challenges. Adapting to new coaching styles, new cultures and different languages, while also leaving your life behind at home, is an incredible learning experience, but can be difficult and lonely at times.

Ottawa Citizen

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

  • Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.
  • Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.
  • Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
  • Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
  • Support local journalism.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

  • Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.
  • Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.
  • Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
  • Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
  • Support local journalism.

REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

  • Access articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
  • Enjoy additional articles per month.
  • Get email updates from your favorite authors.

THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

  • Access articles from across Canada with one account
  • Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
  • Enjoy additional articles per month
  • Get email updates from your favorite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

gold

Article content

“With that being said, it's difficult to find words to explain how grateful and excited I am to have the opportunity to play at home with the support of family, friends and the soccer community I grew up in.”

Smith, a standout on the Ottawa soccer scene from a young age, began her collegiate career in 2014 with the University of Memphis Tigers. During her three years at Memphis, she appeared in 44 games (18 starts) and logged 1,870 minutes.

Prior to the 2017 season, she transferred to her hometown and spent her final two seasons with the Gee-Gees.

While at uOttawa, Smith recorded 28 caps (24 starts), scoring four goals and adding four assists. She was a two-time OUA East first team all-star and a pivotal member of the 2018 U SPORTS national championship team, winning the tournament MVP. She concluded her university career as a member of the 2019 JingJiang University World Cup winning team.

Miranda combines a technical mastery with a strong understanding of the game, drawing on her vast experience playing in diverse professional environments to elevate her play and inspire those around her,” said Kristina Kiss, Ottawa Rapid FC technical director.

Recommended from Editorial

  1. Katrine Pedersen, who won a Danish-record 210 caps as a player and then served as an assistant coach with Denmark's women's team, has been named coach of Ottawa Rapid FC.

    Danish soccer legend Katrine Pedersen named Ottawa Rapid FC's first coach

  2. The logo of Ottawa Rapid FC, a new franchise in the women's professional soccer Northern Super League.

    FIRST FOOT FORWARD: Ottawa Rapid FC unveils name, badge and colors it will wear in NSL

Article content

Learn more

en_USEnglish