I had the privilege of photographing the Canadian Women’s Soccer Team prior to their amazing Gold Medal run.

For far too long, the bias has existed that there’s one team in women’s international soccer, and then there’s everyone else.

Canada’s Women’s National Team is a reminder that the North America region is STACKED with talent and we should be prepared for awesome battles for the coming generations, but particularly this summer in New Zealand/Australia’s Women’s World Cup.

My bias may be the result of the US Women winning four World Cups, or it may have carried over from years of watching international men’s soccer where the CONCACAF region has largely been a two-horse race with only the US and Mexico fielding internationally “competitive” teams.

But, as we saw in CONCACAF men’s qualifying where the Canadian men finished at the top of the group, Canada is on the rise… and their women are leading the way. The Canadian women had a truly historic Olympic gold medal run following high-pressure knock-out wins over the US, Sweden, and Brazil.

Maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise. Youth development and training has come into greater focus. Canada has built talent pipelines for their young men and women through the NWSL, MLS, and domestic, and collegiate leagues; financial incentives are coming into greater focus to incentivize player discovery and development; and tactical and statiscal expertise are gaining popularity. All of these elements work towards leveling the field for smart and inventive organizations thus allowing Canada to see their players plying their trade for Lyon, Paris Saint Germain, Portland Thorns, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich.

All of which to say, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this team. Thank you so much for having me, Canada.