When Canada’s Rhian Wilkinson took to the microphone for the first time as head coach of the Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League this week, she covered a long list of topics and emphasized the lack of support for women’s sport in Canada.
But the long-time fullback also paid homage to the 2012 squad she was a part of, one that brought home an Olympic bronze medal and changed the perception of soccer in Canada.
“The 2012 team where Canada unexpectedly won bronze was because of a culture that was created there under [head coach] John’s [Herdman] tutelage,” Wilkinson explained Tuesday, sitting beside fellow 2012 Olympic teammate Karina LeBlanc — general manager of the Thorns.
“The roles and opportunities within the game are everywhere.”
Powerful words from both Karina LeBlanc and Rhian Wilkinson about the future of women’s soccer in Canada.
: “I recognize I could not work in Canada if I wanted to.
“It needs to be said. It’s been talked about for too long. Action is needed in our country.”
Have a listen. pic.twitter.com/nhjsEPq13r
— Sandra Prusina (@sprusina) November 30, 2021
That’s a sentiment LeBlanc echoed.
“We’ve always known that we wanted to stay in this game,” the former goalkeeper said. “Playing for our country, we wanted to inspire the next generation to be the best version of themselves. We’re just living out our dreams doing that, and it happens that we get to do this chapter together.”
LeBlanc said it’s up to her and others in the sport to “give back to the game that’s given me so much.”
However, she also hopes others seen an opportunity to do the same.
“It’s a testament to what female soccer players can do. That’s why we hope to do big things.”
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Wilkinson spent a lot of time reflecting on that 2012 journey, one that saw Canada fall in the semi-final to the Americans in extra time, a match marred in controversy.
“I think there were 21 [players] on that team. Only two are no longer in sport. Only two,” she offered.
“They’re in all different versions of the game, doing incredible things, but they are promoting the game we love, and that’s what we want to see. I think that’s more why you see two Canadians here and why you see a lot of our 2012 teammates — Carmelina [Moscato] in Denmark, Lauren Sesselmann down in California, you’ve got Kaylyn Kyle on the commentary, you’ve got Jonelle Filigno doing Adidas stuff with soccer, Robyn Gayle working with the Canadian men right now.”
And although John Herdman since has moved on to coach the Canadian men, he’s forever left an imprint on the 2012 women — who are now looking to leave their own mark.
“It’s what happens when a coach sees more than just a player,” Wilkinson stated.