TicketsCINCINNATI — Former University of Cincinnati women's soccer player Vanessa Gilles has been named Canada Soccer's 2024 Player of the Year, marking her first time receiving the national honor.
This accolade highlights Gilles' stellar performances both internationally and at the club level, cementing her status as one of Canada's top athletes.
Gilles anchored the Canada Women's National Team (CANWNT) defense throughout 2024, starting in 14 matches and showcasing her offensive talents with four goals and one assist. Among her standout moments was a stoppage-time winner against France in the Olympic Women's Tournament group stage, a pivotal goal that secured Canada's victory.
At the club level, Gilles continued her dominance with Olympique Lyonnais, making 25 appearances during the 2023-24 season. She played an important role in Lyon's UEFA Women's Champions League campaign and their success in clinching the Division 1 Féminine league title.
An Olympic gold medalist in 2021, Gilles has been a strong leader of the CANWNT defense since earning her first senior cap in 2019. To date, she has made 48 international appearances. Her accolades include being named to the Concacaf W Championship Best XI in 2022 and winning multiple titles with Lyon, including two Division 1 Féminine championships and the Coupe de France Féminine.
She began her soccer journey with Ottawa Capital United SC in Ontario before rising to prominence as a standout defender.
Gilles was a student-athlete at UC from 2014-2017 and was recently inducted into the James P. Kelly Hall of Fame this past fall.
This accolade highlights Gilles' stellar performances both internationally and at the club level, cementing her status as one of Canada's top athletes.
Gilles anchored the Canada Women's National Team (CANWNT) defense throughout 2024, starting in 14 matches and showcasing her offensive talents with four goals and one assist. Among her standout moments was a stoppage-time winner against France in the Olympic Women's Tournament group stage, a pivotal goal that secured Canada's victory.
At the club level, Gilles continued her dominance with Olympique Lyonnais, making 25 appearances during the 2023-24 season. She played an important role in Lyon's UEFA Women's Champions League campaign and their success in clinching the Division 1 Féminine league title.
An Olympic gold medalist in 2021, Gilles has been a strong leader of the CANWNT defense since earning her first senior cap in 2019. To date, she has made 48 international appearances. Her accolades include being named to the Concacaf W Championship Best XI in 2022 and winning multiple titles with Lyon, including two Division 1 Féminine championships and the Coupe de France Féminine.
She began her soccer journey with Ottawa Capital United SC in Ontario before rising to prominence as a standout defender.
Gilles was a student-athlete at UC from 2014-2017 and was recently inducted into the James P. Kelly Hall of Fame this past fall.