Victoria Pickett, a Canadian national team player, joins AFC Toronto on a season-long loan from North Carolina Courage in the NWSL. The 28-year-old midfielder brings valuable experience and a strong track record to the new Canadian women's soccer league.
AFC Toronto strengthened its midfield on Friday by acquiring Canadian national team player Victoria Pickett from North Carolina Courage in the NWSL on a season-long loan. The 28-year-old, hailing from Barrie, Ontario, was a standout performer in the NWSL , particularly during her time with the Kansas City Current. In 2021, she was nominated for NWSL Rookie of the Year and scored the first-ever goal for expansion Kansas City, securing their inaugural victory.
Pickett's journey then saw her move to Gotham FC in August 2022 and subsequently to North Carolina in April 2023. She also made a memorable debut for North Carolina, finding the back of the net.Toronto sporting director Billy Wilson expressed his excitement about Pickett's addition to the team. He highlighted her exceptional abilities in the NWSL, emphasizing her pace, ability to break lines, and dominance in one-on-one situations. Wilson also noted Pickett's unwavering passion for contributing to the growth of both the club and the Canadian women's soccer league. For Pickett, returning to Canada feels like coming home. She explained that her role at North Carolina had shifted, moving away from her preferred box-to-box midfield position to the wings and even upfront as a forward. Adapting to these unfamiliar roles proved challenging, prompting her to seek an opportunity that would allow her to develop and flourish. The loan to AFC Toronto presented the perfect chance to return to her natural playing style and contribute to a new league in her home country.Pickett's professional journey began with the Kansas City Current, where she was drafted in the second round (15th overall) of the 2021 NWSL draft. Having played college soccer at the University of Wisconsin, she progressed from being named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2015 to a first-team All-American in 2018. She faced setbacks due to a knee injury sustained during a spring game in 2019 and the disruption caused by the pandemic in 2020. Despite these challenges, Pickett credits the Kansas City Current for believing in her and empowering her to reach the professional level. While she cherished her experiences with both Kansas City and Gotham FC, she recognizes the opportunity to be part of building a new franchise from the ground up with AFC Toronto. On the international stage, Pickett represented Canada in three FIFA youth tournaments, including the 2012 U-17 World Cup in Azerbaijan and the 2014 and 2016 FIFA U-20 World Cups in Canada and Papua New Guinea, respectively.She has also received six senior team call-ups, making her debut against Mexico in November 2021 and her last appearance against England in February 2022. Pickett hopes that playing in her preferred central midfield position and contributing to AFC Toronto will pave the way for her return to the national team. Beyond soccer, Pickett is a dedicated mental health advocate, striving to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness. Her older brother, Dylan, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, tragically died of a suspected drug overdose in August 2023 at the age of 28. Pickett aims to collaborate with the Canadian Mental Health Organization during her time in Toronto, providing support and resources to those struggling with mental health issues. She emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of community and reminding individuals that they are not alone in their struggles
Soccer Victoria Pickett AFC Toronto NWSL North Carolina Courage Canadian Soccer Women's Soccer Mental Health Advocacy
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