Ottawa Rapid’s D.B. Pridham Dominates Northern Super League Awards

In a remarkable achievement, D.B. Pridham of Ottawa Rapid FC has claimed multiple accolades from the inaugural season of the Northern Super League (NSL). The 28-year-old forward was awarded both Player of the Year and Forward of the Year, in addition to winning the Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer, netting 18 goals throughout the season.

The final piece of hardware, the Diana B. Matheson Cup, remains up for grabs as Ottawa prepares for its playoff semifinal against the Vancouver Rise on November 15, 2025, at BMO Field in Toronto. The two-legged semifinal will determine who advances to the championship match, with the first leg taking place on Tuesday.

Pridham’s Season Highlights

Pridham’s impressive scoring record placed her four goals ahead of her nearest competitor, Kaylee Hunter from AFC Toronto, who finished the season with 14 goals. In addition to her scoring prowess, Pridham contributed three assists, playing a pivotal role in Ottawa’s successful campaign that saw them finish second in the regular-season standings with an 11-8-6 record. Notably, Pridham was responsible for an astonishing 44 percent of her team’s total goals, which amounted to 41 in the regular season.

Her dominance was further highlighted by leading the league in both shots taken (83) and shots on target (42). In June, Pridham made history as the first player in the NSL to achieve a hat-trick during a 4-0 victory over AFC Toronto.

Background and Future Prospects

Born in Saratoga, California, to Canadian parents, Pridham holds dual citizenship, having moved to the United States for her father’s career in technology sales. She honed her skills over four seasons at Santa Clara University, where she earned a degree in political science with a minor in business. Following her collegiate career, Pridham played professionally in Iceland and Sweden before joining Ottawa Rapid FC.

The NSL announced several other award winners, including Marko Milanovic of AFC Toronto, who was named Coach of the Year. Other notable recognitions included Emma Regan as Midfielder of the Year, Jyllissa Harris as Defender of the Year, and Anika Toth as Goalkeeper of the Year.

As the playoffs approach, Pridham’s outstanding performance this season has positioned her and Ottawa Rapid FC as strong contenders for the championship title. The team’s playoff journey begins with high expectations as they aim for the coveted Diana B. Matheson Cup.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on October 31, 2025.