NIKKI & KAYLEE
AFC Toronto’s bright future is already here.
Words: Çetin Cem Yılmaz
Photos: Hanin Mazri
Having started the season with back-to-back defeats, AFC Toronto bounced back quickly and are now heading into the Northern Super League (NSL) playoffs with serious momentum. They were the first team to book a playoff berth and guaranteed the Supporters’ Shield as the regular season winners with a few weeks to spare. What’s even more impressive than the results is the way they play. From exhilarating transition goals to creative celebrations, they have been a joy to watch. It’s hard to separate individuals from this total team success, but if you must, you’d go with the fiery energy of Nikayla Small, who has the rare feat of leading the league in tackles won and assists, alongside the goal-scoring prowess of Kaylee Hunter, who has taken the league by storm at the age of 17. I caught up with the two emerging stars at York Lions Stadium, rightly called "home" by both players, and talked about their past, their future and what made this AFC Toronto side so special.
NIKAYLA SMALL
You’ve been doing great as a team during the regular season. What do you make of the team’s performance?
NS: Our team gelled so quickly. It took about two weeks for us to really gel as a team and form really great bonds. You can see that on the field: The chemistry that we have, the way we celebrate, the way we pass the ball, the way we score… The coach instills such competition in us where we really go at it in training, but off the field, we're all fine and like nothing’s ever happened. You can see how we fight for each other on the field, like every tackle, every battle, we’re going into it 110%.
You're the league leader in tackles and joint leader in assists. You also have four goals. We don't see that kind of versatility very often. I’ve been wondering if you’re one of those players that started out as a striker and was then moved to a more defensive role.
NS: When I was young, I was a defensive mid, actually. I didn’t really score that many goals, but I’ve always loved to attack, so when I can dribble or get a shot, I would take it. In college, I was turned into an attacking midfielder, and I played wing for a little bit. So I guess that attacking role really helped me coming here and playing wing back. It’s a little different position, a different perspective, but so far in the system, it’s worked well. Going back and forth between the midfield and wing-back has been fun in most games, because I get to see two different sides of the field. I'm very excited to score but as a midfielder, I love to assist goals and that’s a testament to the team. Just knowing each other’s runs and movements really helps, too.
Your fourth goal of the season, the one against Montreal, was a bit different than the previous three. It was like a cool, composed striker finish. Did you start to feel more confident in front of the goal?
NS: In those moments, I really try to slow down my breathing and not really think about the negative. If I was thinking about, "Oh my God, what if I miss?", I probably wouldn't have scored the goal. But I was like, "Yeah, I've got this." I think that really helped.
“That feeling was so surreal. I had never played in front of this many people before.”
NIKAYLA SMALL
You’ve been doing great as a team during the regular season. What do you make of the team’s performance?
NS: Our team gelled so quickly. It took about two weeks for us to really gel as a team and form really great bonds. You can see that on the field: The chemistry that we have, the way we celebrate, the way we pass the ball, the way we score… The coach instills such competition in us where we really go at it in training, but off the field, we're all fine and like nothing’s ever happened. You can see how we fight for each other on the field, like every tackle, every battle, we’re going into it 110%.
You're the league leader in tackles and joint leader in assists. You also have four goals. We don't see that kind of versatility very often. I’ve been wondering if you’re one of those players that started out as a striker and was then moved to a more defensive role.
NS: When I was young, I was a defensive mid, actually. I didn’t really score that many goals, but I’ve always loved to attack, so when I can dribble or get a shot, I would take it. In college, I was turned into an attacking midfielder, and I played wing for a little bit. So I guess that attacking role really helped me coming here and playing wing back. It’s a little different position, a different perspective, but so far in the system, it’s worked well. Going back and forth between the midfield and wing-back has been fun in most games, because I get to see two different sides of the field. I'm very excited to score but as a midfielder, I love to assist goals and that’s a testament to the team. Just knowing each other’s runs and movements really helps, too.
Your fourth goal of the season, the one against Montreal, was a bit different than the previous three. It was like a cool, composed striker finish. Did you start to feel more confident in front of the goal?
NS: In those moments, I really try to slow down my breathing and not really think about the negative. If I was thinking about, "Oh my God, what if I miss?", I probably wouldn't have scored the goal. But I was like, "Yeah, I've got this." I think that really helped.
“That feeling was so surreal. I had never played in front of this many people before.”
Your three-goal run in June helped you win the Player of the Month Award for AFC Toronto. How did this accolade feel?
NS: It felt really nice just to know that the fans voted for me. I've always said that going onto the field, you never know when it's gonna be your last moment. So I always try to play like 110% on the field. I've said 110% a lot! (laughs) I really try to give my all, because the people who buy tickets to watch our game, I want to give them a show. The kids that come to our game, I want them to look up to me and just say, "Oh, if she can do that, I can do that too." When I was younger, I never had the opportunity to go watch a pro women's soccer team in Canada. So for them to come to these games and really idolize our team, I want to show them that anything is possible. Going into every game 110% (laughs) means that they can see how hard we’re trying and how hard we worked to get here.
It’s the inaugural season, so every NSL game is now part of history. You know this is going to be a part of the soccer culture in this country. How much of this is on your mind when playing?
NS: It didn’t really hit me until we got to the home opener. We had a match-day minus-one practice at BMO, which was empty. But then on the game day and seeing all the people that were already there just to watch us warm up, I was like, "Wow, this is way bigger than anything I could have imagined. This is way bigger than me." I never personally thought that, one, I’d be playing on BMO Field at home with this new league, and two, just seeing how many people support women’s soccer. It was so loud that it was almost silent, I just couldn't hear anything. That feeling was so surreal. I had never played in front of this many people before.
It’s interesting that you scored all of your goals in away games. Is this something you've noticed?
NS: Honestly, I did not know that. Wow! I'm sorry, home fans! I need to score in front of you guys. I think on the road, we just have so much more to prove because we’re playing against the fans, and no one’s really cheering for us. We have this underdog mentality that we're expected to have a tough game. So going out early and scoring first, or winning the game is a testament to how strong we are mentally.
Due to the nature of the league, you get to face each team quite often. Does this create a different dynamic? Maybe different rivalries forming, or you know the opponent very well, and they know you as well?
NS: I think it does. The first couple games, obviously, you’re just getting to know the people, but by the third, fourth game, you’re like, "Oh, I've seen this person before," I know their tendencies. But almost every game is treated as a different game, because teams grow so much throughout the season, and it's very different seeing them the first time you played them, versus like the fifth time you played them.
What can you say about the level of play in the league?
NS: It's honestly better than I expected. It's very physical and possession-oriented. There are a lot of transitions, especially on one-game weeks, where almost every team is playing once, you can see the battle in every duel on the field. It's really good to see such a high level already. I think it's only gonna grow from here.
What’s your highlight of the season so far?
NS: I have two. One would be making history at BMO Field, and playing in front of 14,000 fans. I think that’s a very big moment in women’s soccer in general, and just for me to be a part of that is really special. And obviously scoring a brace away at Calgary, that usually does not happen to me. And those two goals meant that we won the game. I don't know if you saw my celebration, but every time I just look so joyous, because I do not usually score.
“I’ve always said that if soccer’s not fun anymore, I’ll stop playing. So thank God it’s still fun.”
NS: It felt really nice just to know that the fans voted for me. I've always said that going onto the field, you never know when it's gonna be your last moment. So I always try to play like 110% on the field. I've said 110% a lot! (laughs) I really try to give my all, because the people who buy tickets to watch our game, I want to give them a show. The kids that come to our game, I want them to look up to me and just say, "Oh, if she can do that, I can do that too." When I was younger, I never had the opportunity to go watch a pro women's soccer team in Canada. So for them to come to these games and really idolize our team, I want to show them that anything is possible. Going into every game 110% (laughs) means that they can see how hard we’re trying and how hard we worked to get here.
It’s the inaugural season, so every NSL game is now part of history. You know this is going to be a part of the soccer culture in this country. How much of this is on your mind when playing?
NS: It didn’t really hit me until we got to the home opener. We had a match-day minus-one practice at BMO, which was empty. But then on the game day and seeing all the people that were already there just to watch us warm up, I was like, "Wow, this is way bigger than anything I could have imagined. This is way bigger than me." I never personally thought that, one, I’d be playing on BMO Field at home with this new league, and two, just seeing how many people support women’s soccer. It was so loud that it was almost silent, I just couldn't hear anything. That feeling was so surreal. I had never played in front of this many people before.
It’s interesting that you scored all of your goals in away games. Is this something you've noticed?
NS: Honestly, I did not know that. Wow! I'm sorry, home fans! I need to score in front of you guys. I think on the road, we just have so much more to prove because we’re playing against the fans, and no one’s really cheering for us. We have this underdog mentality that we're expected to have a tough game. So going out early and scoring first, or winning the game is a testament to how strong we are mentally.
Due to the nature of the league, you get to face each team quite often. Does this create a different dynamic? Maybe different rivalries forming, or you know the opponent very well, and they know you as well?
NS: I think it does. The first couple games, obviously, you’re just getting to know the people, but by the third, fourth game, you’re like, "Oh, I've seen this person before," I know their tendencies. But almost every game is treated as a different game, because teams grow so much throughout the season, and it's very different seeing them the first time you played them, versus like the fifth time you played them.
What can you say about the level of play in the league?
NS: It's honestly better than I expected. It's very physical and possession-oriented. There are a lot of transitions, especially on one-game weeks, where almost every team is playing once, you can see the battle in every duel on the field. It's really good to see such a high level already. I think it's only gonna grow from here.
What’s your highlight of the season so far?
NS: I have two. One would be making history at BMO Field, and playing in front of 14,000 fans. I think that’s a very big moment in women’s soccer in general, and just for me to be a part of that is really special. And obviously scoring a brace away at Calgary, that usually does not happen to me. And those two goals meant that we won the game. I don't know if you saw my celebration, but every time I just look so joyous, because I do not usually score.
“I’ve always said that if soccer’s not fun anymore, I’ll stop playing. So thank God it’s still fun.”
I also want to ask about your beginnings as well. How did you start playing and at which point you decided this was going to be your career?
NS: I started playing when I was four years old. For me, soccer has always been fun, and I've always said that if it’s not fun anymore, I’ll stop playing. So thank God it's still fun. I think around the age of 13 or 14, I started getting called into provincial teams, and I was like, "Okay, maybe, I can do this as a professional." Obviously, there wasn’t a Canadian league back then, but my dream was always going overseas after college. Around my senior year, the Northern Super League opened up, and I was able to come back home and play in front of all our home fans. So it’s been really exciting.
Did you have role models growing up? Was it your family, or an image of a soccer game on the television?
NS: Definitely my family, my dad. He's also a big soccer person and he played growing up too. He put me in soccer when I was young, and I've just always loved it. He'd take me and my brothers to the field and we would just play. I think that childhood memory of just going to play soccer for fun has really helped me continue to enjoy the game.
Did you have idols or a favourite team when you were growing up?
NS: Yes. Do you watch the Prem?
Yes, I’m a Liverpool fan.
NS: I love Arsenal! I actually just bought their jersey yesterday. The new white one was really nice. My dad’s a big Arsenal fan and my brothers and I are big Arsenal fans too. I love watching them play and I just love watching Prem and soccer in general.
Was there a favourite player that you were specifically watching?
NS: Honestly, no, I just love watching the sport. I love watching the Messis and Ronaldos of the world. Just good soccer to me.
You're still very young, but your career has already taken you to the States, and then back here. Do you plan out your future or do you take it one game at a time?
NS: I do take it one game at a time, because I do believe in living in the present. But in terms of long-term goals, playing in a World Cup, the Olympics, or the Champions League, that's obviously going to be a goal of mine. So hopefully one day, I achieve those goals that I set out for myself.
Do you have a game day routine?
NS: I do! It's very meticulous, but I’ll start from the beginning. Say the game’s at seven o'clock: I’ll wake up early, make myself breakfast—which has to be avocado toast, and some fruits and some eggs—and then I’ll go and stretch and watch a little bit of film, or soccer or whatever’s on. And then I’ll take a nap in the middle of the day, for an hour and 30 minutes, and then I’ll shower and get ready for the game. Then I’ll go to the facility early and get treatment and just get in the zone, have my headphones on. I also drink a Starbucks coffee, like the canned coffee, get some caffeine in me, and then from there: Visualization. Just going over my roles, of set pieces and all that stuff, and then, boom, play the game. And that's what I've been doing for the past four or five seasons.
You weren’t joking when you said you were pretty meticulous about it!
NS: I do make adjustments as I go, but mainly the core structure has always been like, wake up early, take a nap in the middle of the day, shower before I go and then have my set playlist that I listen to on my way to the game.
Is there any specific music that gets you in the right mindset?
NS: Before every season, I try to make a playlist that starts off slow and then it really builds, and gets really loud. By the time, the louder, more upbeat music is playing, it's usually game time. That moment I know I'm really in the zone. I'm ready to go and play.
NS: I started playing when I was four years old. For me, soccer has always been fun, and I've always said that if it’s not fun anymore, I’ll stop playing. So thank God it's still fun. I think around the age of 13 or 14, I started getting called into provincial teams, and I was like, "Okay, maybe, I can do this as a professional." Obviously, there wasn’t a Canadian league back then, but my dream was always going overseas after college. Around my senior year, the Northern Super League opened up, and I was able to come back home and play in front of all our home fans. So it’s been really exciting.
Did you have role models growing up? Was it your family, or an image of a soccer game on the television?
NS: Definitely my family, my dad. He's also a big soccer person and he played growing up too. He put me in soccer when I was young, and I've just always loved it. He'd take me and my brothers to the field and we would just play. I think that childhood memory of just going to play soccer for fun has really helped me continue to enjoy the game.
Did you have idols or a favourite team when you were growing up?
NS: Yes. Do you watch the Prem?
Yes, I’m a Liverpool fan.
NS: I love Arsenal! I actually just bought their jersey yesterday. The new white one was really nice. My dad’s a big Arsenal fan and my brothers and I are big Arsenal fans too. I love watching them play and I just love watching Prem and soccer in general.
Was there a favourite player that you were specifically watching?
NS: Honestly, no, I just love watching the sport. I love watching the Messis and Ronaldos of the world. Just good soccer to me.
You're still very young, but your career has already taken you to the States, and then back here. Do you plan out your future or do you take it one game at a time?
NS: I do take it one game at a time, because I do believe in living in the present. But in terms of long-term goals, playing in a World Cup, the Olympics, or the Champions League, that's obviously going to be a goal of mine. So hopefully one day, I achieve those goals that I set out for myself.
Do you have a game day routine?
NS: I do! It's very meticulous, but I’ll start from the beginning. Say the game’s at seven o'clock: I’ll wake up early, make myself breakfast—which has to be avocado toast, and some fruits and some eggs—and then I’ll go and stretch and watch a little bit of film, or soccer or whatever’s on. And then I’ll take a nap in the middle of the day, for an hour and 30 minutes, and then I’ll shower and get ready for the game. Then I’ll go to the facility early and get treatment and just get in the zone, have my headphones on. I also drink a Starbucks coffee, like the canned coffee, get some caffeine in me, and then from there: Visualization. Just going over my roles, of set pieces and all that stuff, and then, boom, play the game. And that's what I've been doing for the past four or five seasons.
You weren’t joking when you said you were pretty meticulous about it!
NS: I do make adjustments as I go, but mainly the core structure has always been like, wake up early, take a nap in the middle of the day, shower before I go and then have my set playlist that I listen to on my way to the game.
Is there any specific music that gets you in the right mindset?
NS: Before every season, I try to make a playlist that starts off slow and then it really builds, and gets really loud. By the time, the louder, more upbeat music is playing, it's usually game time. That moment I know I'm really in the zone. I'm ready to go and play.
KAYLEE HUNTER
To start, how do you rate the team’s performance this season?
KH: It wasn’t the best start to the season for us, but we came back from that, and now that we’ve built a firm foundation of what we want to be representing as a club. We’ve done really well, and we’re sitting top of the league right now, so just gotta keep that up and, yeah, hopefully win the whole thing.
As the youngest player on the team, what was your mindset coming to the team and starting the season?
KH: Being the youngest is definitely difficult. But with the culture that we have, I don’t feel like I’m the youngest. It’s all very equal. They treat me equally. My mindset every day is just to be the best player I can be. Work hard, train hard. Just keep working, keep scoring.
You also scored the team’s first-ever goal in the league, and this will be the forever first. It was a late goal in that game, too. When you scored, did the occasion occur to you, or did you think about it later?
KH: Honestly, it didn't really hit me at all until after the game, just because it was such a tight game and we ended up losing 2-1 against Ottawa. It was a huge milestone for the club, and for me to get that was just something super, super special, because that was my first professional goal as well. So I'm super honoured to have gotten that.
In the first couple of games, you were coming off from the bench. What was your mentality then?
KH: It was just trusting in my timing. I tried not to let that bother me at all. Obviously, credit to Marko [Milanović, AFC Toronto Head Coach]. He’s the one who gets the final say on the starting 11, but I try to keep doing what makes me special every day, in training and in games, and then when he gives me the chance, just to go out there and try to do everything I can to keep that spot today. Coming off the bench in those first games, once I got on the field, I just tried to give everything 100% all out, and then obviously I impressed. So I've earned that starting spot. Now I just got to keep going at that.
In the first part of the season, you had two goals in eight games, and then you really clicked and hit eight goals in eight games. What changed? Was it a mental edge or something?
KH Just the team went on a high, and I was on a high with them. I think it started in Vancouver when we had three away games in a row. Those were big road games, and I got to play in my hometown too. So it was a really exciting time. And all my goals, they've been beautiful assists. It's not just me, so all credit to my team as well. But yeah, once I started scoring every game, I just visualized myself before scoring more. So that just kept me driven and yeah, just keep hitting the back of the net and keep winning games.
To start, how do you rate the team’s performance this season?
KH: It wasn’t the best start to the season for us, but we came back from that, and now that we’ve built a firm foundation of what we want to be representing as a club. We’ve done really well, and we’re sitting top of the league right now, so just gotta keep that up and, yeah, hopefully win the whole thing.
As the youngest player on the team, what was your mindset coming to the team and starting the season?
KH: Being the youngest is definitely difficult. But with the culture that we have, I don’t feel like I’m the youngest. It’s all very equal. They treat me equally. My mindset every day is just to be the best player I can be. Work hard, train hard. Just keep working, keep scoring.
You also scored the team’s first-ever goal in the league, and this will be the forever first. It was a late goal in that game, too. When you scored, did the occasion occur to you, or did you think about it later?
KH: Honestly, it didn't really hit me at all until after the game, just because it was such a tight game and we ended up losing 2-1 against Ottawa. It was a huge milestone for the club, and for me to get that was just something super, super special, because that was my first professional goal as well. So I'm super honoured to have gotten that.
In the first couple of games, you were coming off from the bench. What was your mentality then?
KH: It was just trusting in my timing. I tried not to let that bother me at all. Obviously, credit to Marko [Milanović, AFC Toronto Head Coach]. He’s the one who gets the final say on the starting 11, but I try to keep doing what makes me special every day, in training and in games, and then when he gives me the chance, just to go out there and try to do everything I can to keep that spot today. Coming off the bench in those first games, once I got on the field, I just tried to give everything 100% all out, and then obviously I impressed. So I've earned that starting spot. Now I just got to keep going at that.
In the first part of the season, you had two goals in eight games, and then you really clicked and hit eight goals in eight games. What changed? Was it a mental edge or something?
KH Just the team went on a high, and I was on a high with them. I think it started in Vancouver when we had three away games in a row. Those were big road games, and I got to play in my hometown too. So it was a really exciting time. And all my goals, they've been beautiful assists. It's not just me, so all credit to my team as well. But yeah, once I started scoring every game, I just visualized myself before scoring more. So that just kept me driven and yeah, just keep hitting the back of the net and keep winning games.
“At the beginning of the season, everyone wants it to be a perfect goal, but sometimes you need to score the messy one.”
There's this saying that the goals are like ketchup. When they come out, they all come out at once.
KH: Once I found my footing, just getting in front of the goal, I was ruthless and honestly just taking shots. At the beginning of the season, everyone wants it to be a perfect goal, but sometimes you need to score the messy one. So once I’m in front of the goal, I’m just having a shot. Against Montreal, I shot from half because I saw the goalie out of line, I don’t think at the beginning of the season I would have done that. The more I’m on the ball, the more I’m getting it from the net, the more chances I get. It just makes me more comfortable each time.
Actually, I was going to ask about that Montreal goal specifically, I would like you to talk me through that goal. After Esther Okoronkwo gave that pass, at which moment you felt that the goalkeeper was off her line and thought "I should try it"?
KH: In our last game against the Roses, Victoria [Pickett] did the same thing and caught Karpenko off her line. So we know that she’s a goalie that likes to play off her line. In the moment, once Esther gave a little shoulder pass, I think it was all in my first touch. It was a good first touch and it set me up. I took a little glance up, and I saw Karpenko backpedalling. So it's just, why not? Then I hit it well, and it was with my weak foot, which was surprising. It looked like it was going in, the trajectory was right, but I was just nervous it’s gonna hit the crossbar. But then it went there and I just started celebrating. It was amazing.
Is it your favourite goal of the season? Or was it the first one?
KH: I think the Montreal goal has to be my favourite.
In July, you were named the NSL Player of the Month. How did that feel?
KH: It was a huge honour. It just shows my work ethic and how much I love the game. But also, credit to my team. It wouldn’t be here without them. I think this league has done super, super well at developing young players, myself included. We just got to keep doing what we’re doing, and hopefully, more Player of the Months come along.
Obviously, it’s a team sport, but accolades also matter, and now you're competing for the Golden Boot as well. Is this something on your mind?
KH: Of course, it's on my mind. In the leagues I played in, I was mostly the top goal scorer. That's just one of my key attributes, something I've always done since I was a kid. I never thought my first professional season would go like this, but once I started scoring, and I had the two against Halifax and the two against Ottawa back-to-back, that's when it really clicked to me that it's possible if I just keep working. I mean, DB [Pridham], she just keeps on scoring as well, so she's making it difficult.
I would like to ask you about your partnership up front. Okoronkwo is usually your main partner, but also you have plenty of depth. Jade Kovacevic is also in the mix, and Nikki as well, sometimes when you play three. What can you say about the competition off the pitch and how you complement each other?
KH: Our everyday environment is super competitive. Every day, we come and challenge each other to get better, because we all want that starting spot. Esther Okoronkwo is a super, super, super creative player. She's so fun to play with. Every time she gets the ball, I know that she can take people on 1v1 so I can be running in behind, and I can trust that she'll get the ball to me. Nikki is super crafty as well, like Colby [Barnett] on our wing. We all suit each other really well, and we all work together really well. We've built good team chemistry, so I think we just need to keep that up. Of course, everyone’s fighting for a starting spot, but once we're on the field, we all just need to come together as a team, because starters and finishers, they matter just as much.
What can you say about the current level of play in the league?
KH: It's been amazing so far. I think many of us weren’t really sure how it was going to go, because it’s the first-ever pro league in Canada, but it has surpassed all our expectations, so we’re super happy with how it is. Having the opportunity to travel across Canada and play at all different venues and in front of different fans, it’s been amazing to see just all the passion that this country has for soccer. Every game, it's scruffy, it's challenging, and you never know who could come up on top. I think every game you have to take just as serious as the last. We're lucky enough to be at the top of the table now, but that doesn't mean that we have to back down. We just got to keep up fighting.
As you said, there are only six teams in the league, so you get to face each other quite often. Does this create a different dynamic?
KH: I think it's a good experience to be able to play against teams that you're so familiar with, but it's also a disadvantage because we watch film, and they watch film on us, so it definitely makes it more difficult. We have to change up our game plan sometimes, which makes it hard at times, but it’s about taking advantage of knowing their qualities and their weaknesses. We played every team like, four or five times, so it's super difficult, but playing at home and playing away, there's a big difference. Playing at home, we have our fans, so we use that as our biggest energy source, but then playing away, obviously it's difficult, but sometimes you like to be the underdogs. It's definitely difficult playing against the same teams over and over again, but we try to look on the bright side and watch our film and make sure we see their qualities and see what we can do about that, to beat them.
You mentioned the advantage of playing at home. What do you feel about the atmosphere when you’re playing in Toronto?
KH: Every game is an amazing feeling. The atmosphere has been great. Our fans have really showed up through everything, whether we're winning or losing. Especially at York, it’s such a special stadium for us, because we also train here and it really is like our home. We just hope that they'll keep showing up and we can keep on giving them good performances and something to come back to next week.
Is there an away stadium that you enjoy playing?
KH: I just gotta go with Calgary, because that's my hometown. I always have lots of family that come up and not saying that they are biggest rivals, but for me, there's always something special playing there. I also enjoy playing in Vancouver, because I also lived there for two years, and I played for the Vancouver Whitecaps. Lots of those fans used to cheer for me. Now, they’re kind of booing me. So I'm trying to get back at them, in a way, so that it just gives me an extra, extra little bit of flair when I'm there. I just try to do my best, and kind of make the fans angry, in a way.
“It was definitely difficult coming out of like a kind of smaller hub, but I think it’s just what makes my story unique.”
KH: Once I found my footing, just getting in front of the goal, I was ruthless and honestly just taking shots. At the beginning of the season, everyone wants it to be a perfect goal, but sometimes you need to score the messy one. So once I’m in front of the goal, I’m just having a shot. Against Montreal, I shot from half because I saw the goalie out of line, I don’t think at the beginning of the season I would have done that. The more I’m on the ball, the more I’m getting it from the net, the more chances I get. It just makes me more comfortable each time.
Actually, I was going to ask about that Montreal goal specifically, I would like you to talk me through that goal. After Esther Okoronkwo gave that pass, at which moment you felt that the goalkeeper was off her line and thought "I should try it"?
KH: In our last game against the Roses, Victoria [Pickett] did the same thing and caught Karpenko off her line. So we know that she’s a goalie that likes to play off her line. In the moment, once Esther gave a little shoulder pass, I think it was all in my first touch. It was a good first touch and it set me up. I took a little glance up, and I saw Karpenko backpedalling. So it's just, why not? Then I hit it well, and it was with my weak foot, which was surprising. It looked like it was going in, the trajectory was right, but I was just nervous it’s gonna hit the crossbar. But then it went there and I just started celebrating. It was amazing.
Is it your favourite goal of the season? Or was it the first one?
KH: I think the Montreal goal has to be my favourite.
In July, you were named the NSL Player of the Month. How did that feel?
KH: It was a huge honour. It just shows my work ethic and how much I love the game. But also, credit to my team. It wouldn’t be here without them. I think this league has done super, super well at developing young players, myself included. We just got to keep doing what we’re doing, and hopefully, more Player of the Months come along.
Obviously, it’s a team sport, but accolades also matter, and now you're competing for the Golden Boot as well. Is this something on your mind?
KH: Of course, it's on my mind. In the leagues I played in, I was mostly the top goal scorer. That's just one of my key attributes, something I've always done since I was a kid. I never thought my first professional season would go like this, but once I started scoring, and I had the two against Halifax and the two against Ottawa back-to-back, that's when it really clicked to me that it's possible if I just keep working. I mean, DB [Pridham], she just keeps on scoring as well, so she's making it difficult.
I would like to ask you about your partnership up front. Okoronkwo is usually your main partner, but also you have plenty of depth. Jade Kovacevic is also in the mix, and Nikki as well, sometimes when you play three. What can you say about the competition off the pitch and how you complement each other?
KH: Our everyday environment is super competitive. Every day, we come and challenge each other to get better, because we all want that starting spot. Esther Okoronkwo is a super, super, super creative player. She's so fun to play with. Every time she gets the ball, I know that she can take people on 1v1 so I can be running in behind, and I can trust that she'll get the ball to me. Nikki is super crafty as well, like Colby [Barnett] on our wing. We all suit each other really well, and we all work together really well. We've built good team chemistry, so I think we just need to keep that up. Of course, everyone’s fighting for a starting spot, but once we're on the field, we all just need to come together as a team, because starters and finishers, they matter just as much.
What can you say about the current level of play in the league?
KH: It's been amazing so far. I think many of us weren’t really sure how it was going to go, because it’s the first-ever pro league in Canada, but it has surpassed all our expectations, so we’re super happy with how it is. Having the opportunity to travel across Canada and play at all different venues and in front of different fans, it’s been amazing to see just all the passion that this country has for soccer. Every game, it's scruffy, it's challenging, and you never know who could come up on top. I think every game you have to take just as serious as the last. We're lucky enough to be at the top of the table now, but that doesn't mean that we have to back down. We just got to keep up fighting.
As you said, there are only six teams in the league, so you get to face each other quite often. Does this create a different dynamic?
KH: I think it's a good experience to be able to play against teams that you're so familiar with, but it's also a disadvantage because we watch film, and they watch film on us, so it definitely makes it more difficult. We have to change up our game plan sometimes, which makes it hard at times, but it’s about taking advantage of knowing their qualities and their weaknesses. We played every team like, four or five times, so it's super difficult, but playing at home and playing away, there's a big difference. Playing at home, we have our fans, so we use that as our biggest energy source, but then playing away, obviously it's difficult, but sometimes you like to be the underdogs. It's definitely difficult playing against the same teams over and over again, but we try to look on the bright side and watch our film and make sure we see their qualities and see what we can do about that, to beat them.
You mentioned the advantage of playing at home. What do you feel about the atmosphere when you’re playing in Toronto?
KH: Every game is an amazing feeling. The atmosphere has been great. Our fans have really showed up through everything, whether we're winning or losing. Especially at York, it’s such a special stadium for us, because we also train here and it really is like our home. We just hope that they'll keep showing up and we can keep on giving them good performances and something to come back to next week.
Is there an away stadium that you enjoy playing?
KH: I just gotta go with Calgary, because that's my hometown. I always have lots of family that come up and not saying that they are biggest rivals, but for me, there's always something special playing there. I also enjoy playing in Vancouver, because I also lived there for two years, and I played for the Vancouver Whitecaps. Lots of those fans used to cheer for me. Now, they’re kind of booing me. So I'm trying to get back at them, in a way, so that it just gives me an extra, extra little bit of flair when I'm there. I just try to do my best, and kind of make the fans angry, in a way.
“It was definitely difficult coming out of like a kind of smaller hub, but I think it’s just what makes my story unique.”
I’d like to ask you about your journey as well. In Canada, Ontario and Quebec and maybe BC are the main soccer hubs, but you’re coming from Calgary. Does this make your journey a little different than the other players on the team?
KH: Obviously, every city has their soccer clubs, but growing up in Calgary, I have three older brothers, so I kind of followed in their footsteps. At the end of every season, my mom would ask me, "Do you want to play soccer next year?" And my answer was always yes. Growing up, I played at one club for most of my life, but then when I moved to the second club called Calgary Blizzard, that's when League1 Alberta started. So I was the youngest, also for League1 Alberta, and I scored the first-ever goal in League1 Alberta history.
So there’s a pattern! Was that the time you decided this was going to be your career?
KH: Growing up, I was always the best soccer player on my team, so I realized this is something I'm really good at, so I could pursue it. Once the opportunity with Whitecaps came along, it was a sacrifice I was willing to make. It was definitely a big jump, because I was at such a young age. But then I also started getting involved with the national team, so that’s just really when it all clicked. Then, also playing in the CONCACAF Women’s Champions Cup, I got to play against Christine Sinclair, who was my idol growing up.
So it was definitely difficult coming out of like a kind of smaller hub, but I think it’s just what makes my story unique. I'm super proud of where I’ve come from. I just hope that I can keep on making all my family and friends proud, and go to bigger places, and just be able to look back at where I started.
Was your idol always Christine Sinclair, or did you have other heroes growing up?
KH: For the most part, it was Sinclair. I think she’s just done so much for the women’s game. She’s inspired generations, and I think she’ll always just be one of the biggest soccer icons, like ever. And then also when you look on the men’s side, because there wasn’t much women’s soccer to watch when we were growing up, players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Mbappé, Neymar, they’re just such a joy to watch when I was younger, and even now still. I have lots of idols, but I think above all, it has to be Christine, just for all that she’s done for the women’s game in Canada.
Did you also have a favourite team that you've been following?
KH: Chelsea’s my team. That's the team I hope to play for someday.
Do you have a game day routine that you follow?
KH: Game day routine? Did Nikki tell you about her avocado toast? (laughs)
Yes, she did!
KH: Yeah, she’s very particular about it! No, I think for me, just normal wake-up time. I’m not too picky. I don’t have to have a nap or anything. I have to drink my two electrolyte drinks before, and then once I’m at the facility, just taking it slow, not rushing into anything. I always give myself lots of time. I don’t really eat anything specifically, either. Whatever I have at the house. In terms of vibes in the locker room, I like to be hyped. Me and Esther are normally the ones on aux and we're trying to hype everyone else up and once it’s game time, it’s game time. Just go up there and win the game.
Can you tell me more about your future plans?
KH: Obviously, I want to be focused on the present, but there's always something in the back of my mind that at one point, I’m not going to be playing here anymore. I got to think about the future. My dream has always been to be playing in Europe professionally, and also with the national team. I’ve trained with them, and I’ve played on the youth teams, but there’s nothing like playing with the senior team, so that's definitely at the top of my to-do list, but I just got to keep working towards that. So, playing in Europe for one of the best teams, the senior national team, playing in World Cups and Olympics.
As you said, when you were growing up, there wasn’t a pro league, and what you're doing as a team and the league in general, it’s creating a legacy for future generations. You’re obviously too young yourself, but is this something that you’re thinking about? You had your idols growing up, but now girls will look up to you.
KH: Yesterday, we were at this community event in Whitby, and there were hundreds of little girls just sitting there asking us questions, and then we signed autographs for an hour. Seeing the smiles on their faces when they see us, it's just like I used to look up at like Christine Sinclair. So I think it’s a huge, huge honor, and I just love to see how the women’s game has grown in Canada, but not only in Canada, but around the world. It’s about time. We’ve deserved this, and we’ve worked hard for this. And like you said, we’re leaving a legacy for all these little girls, and hopefully they can look up and they can be like, "I want to do this someday" so they just never stop working.
KH: Obviously, every city has their soccer clubs, but growing up in Calgary, I have three older brothers, so I kind of followed in their footsteps. At the end of every season, my mom would ask me, "Do you want to play soccer next year?" And my answer was always yes. Growing up, I played at one club for most of my life, but then when I moved to the second club called Calgary Blizzard, that's when League1 Alberta started. So I was the youngest, also for League1 Alberta, and I scored the first-ever goal in League1 Alberta history.
So there’s a pattern! Was that the time you decided this was going to be your career?
KH: Growing up, I was always the best soccer player on my team, so I realized this is something I'm really good at, so I could pursue it. Once the opportunity with Whitecaps came along, it was a sacrifice I was willing to make. It was definitely a big jump, because I was at such a young age. But then I also started getting involved with the national team, so that’s just really when it all clicked. Then, also playing in the CONCACAF Women’s Champions Cup, I got to play against Christine Sinclair, who was my idol growing up.
So it was definitely difficult coming out of like a kind of smaller hub, but I think it’s just what makes my story unique. I'm super proud of where I’ve come from. I just hope that I can keep on making all my family and friends proud, and go to bigger places, and just be able to look back at where I started.
Was your idol always Christine Sinclair, or did you have other heroes growing up?
KH: For the most part, it was Sinclair. I think she’s just done so much for the women’s game. She’s inspired generations, and I think she’ll always just be one of the biggest soccer icons, like ever. And then also when you look on the men’s side, because there wasn’t much women’s soccer to watch when we were growing up, players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Mbappé, Neymar, they’re just such a joy to watch when I was younger, and even now still. I have lots of idols, but I think above all, it has to be Christine, just for all that she’s done for the women’s game in Canada.
Did you also have a favourite team that you've been following?
KH: Chelsea’s my team. That's the team I hope to play for someday.
Do you have a game day routine that you follow?
KH: Game day routine? Did Nikki tell you about her avocado toast? (laughs)
Yes, she did!
KH: Yeah, she’s very particular about it! No, I think for me, just normal wake-up time. I’m not too picky. I don’t have to have a nap or anything. I have to drink my two electrolyte drinks before, and then once I’m at the facility, just taking it slow, not rushing into anything. I always give myself lots of time. I don’t really eat anything specifically, either. Whatever I have at the house. In terms of vibes in the locker room, I like to be hyped. Me and Esther are normally the ones on aux and we're trying to hype everyone else up and once it’s game time, it’s game time. Just go up there and win the game.
Can you tell me more about your future plans?
KH: Obviously, I want to be focused on the present, but there's always something in the back of my mind that at one point, I’m not going to be playing here anymore. I got to think about the future. My dream has always been to be playing in Europe professionally, and also with the national team. I’ve trained with them, and I’ve played on the youth teams, but there’s nothing like playing with the senior team, so that's definitely at the top of my to-do list, but I just got to keep working towards that. So, playing in Europe for one of the best teams, the senior national team, playing in World Cups and Olympics.
As you said, when you were growing up, there wasn’t a pro league, and what you're doing as a team and the league in general, it’s creating a legacy for future generations. You’re obviously too young yourself, but is this something that you’re thinking about? You had your idols growing up, but now girls will look up to you.
KH: Yesterday, we were at this community event in Whitby, and there were hundreds of little girls just sitting there asking us questions, and then we signed autographs for an hour. Seeing the smiles on their faces when they see us, it's just like I used to look up at like Christine Sinclair. So I think it’s a huge, huge honor, and I just love to see how the women’s game has grown in Canada, but not only in Canada, but around the world. It’s about time. We’ve deserved this, and we’ve worked hard for this. And like you said, we’re leaving a legacy for all these little girls, and hopefully they can look up and they can be like, "I want to do this someday" so they just never stop working.