“Team Canada is gearing up, and all eyes are on Erin McLeod, Christine Sinclair, and Sophie Schmidt at B.C. Place Stadium. But unlike her fellow athletes, 40-year-old goalkeeper Erin McLeod has made the decision not to suit up for the friendly match against Australia. Despite this, she is thrilled to be present and support her team.
An Absolute Joy
Sophie holds a special place in Erin McLeod’s heart, and she refers to her as “an absolute joy”. At 35 years old, Schmidt announced her international retirement this year, planning to play twice more before retiring from international football.
Flashbacks and Farewells
Looking back at her journey, Erin McLeod made her senior debut at 19 and has since had a successful career on the field. She was a key player for Canada during the 2002 FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship. The tournament was won by the U.S, but that didn’t overshadow Sinclair’s talents as she came out as the top player.
McLeod is ready to take on her new role as a player-coach, spending her time doing analysis and prepping videos for her team. She also looks forward to obtaining her UEFA B coaching licence and is an aspiring artist, musician, entrepreneur, and LGBTQ spokeswoman.
Looking Ahead and Passing the Torch
Ahead of her anticipated retirement, McLeod reflects on passing on the torch. She gets emotional when reflecting on her teammates and the natural progression of sport. It’s time for her to take her final bow, and while the farewell might be bittersweet, she is confident that the squad is in great hands.
As Erin McLeod takes her final bow, she leaves behind a legacy recognized for both athleticism and leadership. Reflecting on her journey, she’s proud of what she’s accomplished and the players she’s inspired. Whether as a coach, artist, musician, or advocate, McLeod leaves behind a lasting impact on and off the field.”
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