CALGARY—Calgary Wild FC has ramped up its defence by adding Dutch centreback, Mijke Roelfsema, to its inaugural roster.
Roelfsema, who has previously played in five different countries including Canada, brings an All-Star resume with her to the Northern Super League where she will be focused on making her mark both on the field of play and in the community in her return to Calgary.
“I played a couple of games with Calgary Foothills a few years ago. I really enjoyed the way the Canadian girls played and the team atmosphere. The coaches were already talking about a professional league in Canada at that time, and I had thought back then, this would be a very interesting and good opportunity,” said Roelfsema. “I was very excited when Calgary Wild FC reached out. It feels like everything has come full circle! It’s amazing to be the first team to represent a club and build something for the community and for the future.”
The left-footed centre back racked up a list of accolades on the field, and in the classroom, in her three-year stint with Rice University while playing NCAA soccer. A scholar student-athlete, Roelfsema was recognized as First Team All-American, a MAC Hermann Trophy Semi-Finalist, ranked in the top 30 nationally, and Defender of the Year amongst her many accomplishments.
Driven to play soccer at the elite level as a child, Roelfsema progressed from playing at Rice University into the pro ranks, playing three years in Europe’s professional leagues. She played an average of 90 minutes a game most recently for Ireland (Treaty United). In 2023-24, she played with AaB Aaloborg – the top flight in Denmark – where she started all 14 matches in the first half of the season and continued to play an average of 90 minutes per game. Roelfsema was twice named Kvindeliga Player of the Round. She made her professional debut as a 16-year-old with the top flight ADO Den Haag club in the Netherlands (2015-2017) where she helped the team win the National Dutch Cup before going to the NCAA. After graduating from university, Roelfsema made her return to Europe with Apollon Limassol (Cyprus Champions League) where she was part of the National Cup winning club in 2022-23.
“I hope to bring a lot of experience to the team. I had the opportunity to play a variety of styles since I have played in very different countries. This has taught me to become a better technical and tactical player,” added Roelfsema. I studied psychology in university and have always used this on and off the pitch. This has helped to understand other players and know better how to create a good team culture.”
Prior to playing at Rice University, Roelfsema’s soccer journey first led her to North America from The Netherlands to play for Boston College (2017-2018). In 2018 she started 15 matches and logged more than 1,300 total minutes for an Atlantic Coast Conference program that posted a 14-5-1 record and earned a Top-16 national seed in the NCAA Tournament. Roelfsma was a key part of the swarming Golden Eagle defence that held opponents to just 8.5 shots per game, and she also provided an attacking presence out of the backline.
Roelfsema also played in the top women’s division of Dutch football for ADO Den Haag and was a key member of her country’s U-19 national team that competed at the European Championship qualifier in The Netherlands. She also suited up for the Dutch U-19 team during an international tournament in Spain in 2017.
“We are very excited to have Mijke join us in Calgary. She is a proven performer in high-pressured situations, and brings valuable experience to our club,” said Alix Bruch, sporting director, Calgary Wild FC. “Mijke is a very intelligent, skilled defender who I know will be an inspiring role model for youth in our Alberta community through her commitment to drive change on and off the pitch.”
Roelfsema is excited to support Calgary Wild FC’s mission to leverage sport as a vehicle to make a positive impact in the community by making meaningful connections in an effort to make sport a more inclusive, and welcoming place for all.
“My sister has a disability, and I have noticed there are not many opportunities for people with disabilities to play sports. At the same time, many kids with disabilities have weight challenges because they don’t have opportunities to be active enough, so I hope to leverage my work in the community to provide for opportunities for these people to play,” said Roelfsema. “There are so many benefits to sport. It’s a place to connect with others and break through limitations. Moreover, I think sport brings a lot of joy and being active helps with a healthy lifestyle.
“I’m excited to be playing for a club that is doing everything to have a professional culture and to create opportunities for girls and women in sport. I’m inspired by the aspirations of the club, and I’m honoured to be a part of the original team of Calgary Wild.”
Roelfsema will arrive to Calgary in February in advance of the Northern Super League’s inaugural season which is scheduled to begin in Spring 2025.
About Calgary Wild FC
Calgary Wild FC is one of 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