CALGARY—British Columbia’s Jaclyn Sawicki will be heading east on the Trans-Canada Highway in the New Year to join the call of the Calgary Wild FC.
The accomplished midfielder is the fourth Canadian footballer, and fifth player, to join a growing Calgary Wild FC roster that will be one of six teams taking the pitch when the Northern Super League debuts in the spring of 2025.
“I feel extremely grateful to have the opportunity to represent the Calgary Wild in the inaugural season of the Northern Super League. It means the world to me to be a part of this history as a female footballer,” said Sawicki, who was born and raised in Canada by her Polish father and Filipina mother, making her eligible to represent three countries internationally.
“People always want to feel valued in their workplace, and for me, that was something that I felt right away during the first conversations I had with the Calgary Wild. The club has placed a strong emphasis on female empowerment which was something really refreshing as a female athlete who grew up in a generation without a lot of female role models.”
One role model instrumental in Sawicki’s development into an elite soccer player was her mother, who had a modest upbringing in the Philippines before immigrating to Canada where she became the first person in her family to finish University.
“My mom was never an athlete, but she taught me the true meaning of work ethic and humility,” added Sawicki. “Growing up, I watched her face and overcome adversity while continuing to be the selfless and generous human being that she is. I try to bring those characteristics and qualities that I see in her to my day-to-day as a professional athlete, and only hope to grow into half the person she is.”
An avid dancer during her youth, Sawicki credits her mom for not only introducing her to soccer, but keeping her in the sport that began on the community pitches of Canada’s West Coast with the Coquitlam Metro-Ford and Vancouver Whitecaps clubs,
“Dance was my first love, and I initially thought I would pursue dance over soccer. At a certain point, the demands of training and competition in both activities became way too much and started to really conflict with each other,” she said. “I tried to quit soccer, but my mom didn’t let me which is how I ended up playing for the University of Victoria.”
Good thing! Sawicki has been dancing around opponents on soccer pitches in Canada and around the world ever since.
She enjoyed a standout varsity career with the University of Victoria (2010-2015) that included: starting all 14 games as a rookie; named Canada West All-Star and All-Canadian Team All-Star; and was captain of the squad from 2014-16.
“Building a professional sports team is similar to that of a supportive family that includes a group of people who trusts and challenges each other – all who are driven to work hard together in pursuit of a common goal,” said Alix Bruch, sporting director, Calgary Wild FC. “ Family has always been at the heart of Jaclyn’s journey in soccer. The Calgary Wild have added a critical member to our growing family by adding Jaclyn Sawicki to our roster. She brings a wealth of international experience to the table, and we are excited she chose to join our club for this historic journey.”
Sawicki got her first taste of international experience with the U20 Canadian National Team during her time at the University of Victoria. She received her first opportunity with the national senior squad when she was 18 years old. But it was her stint with the Philippines National Team where she began to make her mark internationally. Sawicki was part of the Filipinas historic run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Between international stints, she also played pro football in Japan, Sweden and Australia.
“When I began my professional career, there were no opportunities within Canada, so I left and never looked back. I truthfully never envisioned this league to launch during my career so to be amongst the first group of players to give our female youth something to strive for, is really exciting,” said Sawicki. “I hope this league will help raise awareness for gender equity in sport, but also help create greater connection with females in other professions. I can’t wait to help do my part in this mission.”
Two born and raised Calgarians – Sarah Keilty-Dilling and Grace Stordy – were the first two Canadian born players named to Calgary Wild FC. International stars – Afghan-Canadian humanitarian Farkhunda Muhtaj and New Zealand’s three-time Olympian Meikayla Moore – were the first two players penned to the roster.
About Calgary Wild FC
Calgary Wild FC is one off six teams in the newly created Northern Super League which will begin its inaugural season in 2025, featuring some of the best women’s soccer players in the world. Shop our exclusive merch and be one of the early #fansinthewild. For the latest news and information on Calgary Wild FC, visit www.calgarywildfc.com or follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and X. Follow the league at www.nsl.ca.
For further information:
Chris Dornan
Calgary Wild FC
T: 403-620-8731
E-mail: hpprchris@shaw.ca