On the Field with the Champions: Photographing the Canadian Women's National Soccer Team

Kadeisha Buchanan attempting to block Julia Grosso’s shot

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

The awesome Desiree Scott examining the field in front of her

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.

Ashley Lawrence taking Janine Beckie down the line

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.

Christine Sinclair mid-sprint

Julia Grosso turning on dime

Sabrina D’Angelo with a one-handed save

Ates Diouf and Omar Ciss

I wasn’t recently lucky-enough to work with the great folks at DARBY Magazine to write an article about Omar Ciss and Ates Diouf, two young, wonderful Austin Bold players and incredible friends. The article is filled with pictures that I took of these two wonderful dudes during their time with the club.

Though the Bold are moving to Ft. Worth, Texas, and Ates and Omar are moving onto new clubs, I feel so fortunate to have had the time to capture their love for one another and the beautiful friendship that they have on and off the field.

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Ates Diouf and Omar Ciss were previously enrolled at The Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (SIMA) in Orlando, Florida. Raised in Rufisque and Dakar, Senegal, respectively, they came to SIMA as a result of a partnership with Salif Diao's SPORT4Charity project.

It is when Ates and Omar joined Austin Bold FC in the spring of 2020 that I was lucky enough to cross their paths as the team photographer. Though they are clearly exceptional players, it was those times in between drills, before and after games, and in their Instagram tags to each other that I saw how deep their partnership and their love for each other went. 

Hello, Ates and Omar! Thank you so much for letting me ask you both a couple questions about all the changes that are happening in your careers at the moment!!

Knowing where you are now and all that you’ve already done, would the Ates and Omar of five years ago be proud of how far you’ve come and what you’ve accomplished?

Omar: Yes, because the only thing that I had in my mind five years ago was playing professional soccer and we’ve been fortunate to be playing in the USL Championship for two seasons already.

Ates: Yes! I have come a long way! I’m proud to be where I am now but I still have so much I want to accomplish in my soccer career. 

Thinking ahead, where do you dream of being in the coming years?

Omar: I want to play in the Premier League, and play in one of the biggest tournaments in the game: The Champions League. 

Ates: My goal is to play in Europe for my dream team, FC Barcelona. 

Once you arrived at the professional level, was there anything difficult that you didn’t expect?

Omar: For me, the most difficult experience was my first year because I didn’t know anything about the professional level and the USL Championship game. I hadn’t previously had to manage the professional game and it was a whole new experience. 

Ates: My first weeks were not easy because I had to adapt to the level of play and the physicality. 

Is there anything that has been easier than you anticipated about playing soccer at the professional level?

Omar: I was thinking that the professional level was going to be more difficult, but really it’s just a different style of playing. And, I guess, the professional level is not as hard as I was expecting. You need to concentrate, learn, listen, practice, and have a good mindset every day. 

Ates: I think nothing is easy at the professional level. You have to work hard every day to get better. Nothing is given and you have to earn everything you get by working hard and giving everything that you have.

Are there players that you particularly enjoy working alongside and combining with?

Omar: I love having teammates that help, are honest, and who work hard. 

Ates: For me, it’s playing with technical players who move the ball well.

Is there any advice that you’ve received that’s helped you in your progression?

Omar: Always believe in yourself. Never quit. Never give up. 

Ates: I’ve been told be confident and that there is always another game. 

…and have you received any bad advice?

Omar: I’ve been very fortunate with my coaches. They’ve always been positive with their advice and told me to try and do my best. 

Ates: Like a lot of players there is always someone that thinks you won’t make it to the pro level. I have heard it several times but I never pay attention to their negativity. I just keep on working and doing my best. 

What is your favorite thing about Ates/Omar?

Omar: Ates is a very honest guy. I really like him! We support each other every single day.

Ates: Omar is my brother. He’s a hard working guy that never stops. I’m so proud of him. I know that he is going to be a top midfielder!  

Omar, what do you think are Ates’ best qualities during a game?

Omar: Ates is excellent at dribbling and scoring goals.

Ates: Yeah, I think my agility, my movement, and my ability to play different positions. I can shoot from distance and provide assists.

You are both such dynamic players that create big moments in games despite being so young. How do you do that? What’s going through your heads during the game?

Omar: I already know what to do before I get the ball. The first step is to play the ball forward and help your teammates try to create big chances. 

Ates: Like Omar said, I’m always thinking of playing and moving forward. If I’m playing in the midfield my brain is always thinking that I have to provide the strike that’s going to score. 

What has been your favorite part about your time with the Bold?

Omar: The amazing people, I enjoyed every moment in Austin. My two seasons were fantastic. At the Bold people always helped each other.

Ates: The Bold was very special for me because they believed in me and gave me the chance to showcase my talents. My favorite moment was when I scored 2 goals and had an assist in a very important win against Rio Grande Valley!

Finally, is there something that your family has done to support you through all of your adventures?

Omar: My family is Muslim and they pray for me every single day. Praying for me has been the most important. And I usually see the results! So, keep praying for me!

Ates: My family has been supporting me since the beginning. My dad has made so many sacrifices to help me get where I am today. Sometimes I feel down but they are always there to support me when I need them!