Canadian striker Olivia Smith continues making history with WSL’s Arsenal

VANCOUVER - Olivia Smith has always harboured grand ambitions. *From her earliest days, she penned in her diary a pledge to represent Canada at the World Cup and Olympics. Now, at 22, the Canadian striker is on the verge of fulfilling her dreams. "I have always dreamed of being there, getting that experience," Smith said. A year earlier, Arsenal's Women's Super League team broke a record by paying £1 million (CAD$1.85 million) to sign her from Liverpool.

Smith scored 10 goals in her first 38 games for the Gunners, earning her the title of young player of the year for the second consecutive year. Ranked among the top 10 players in women's soccer, Smith is one of only two to have earned this accolade in back-to-back years. Her father, Sean, attended the recognition ceremony, dressed in a bespoke suit adorned with photos of his daughter and her sister, capturing their shared journey.

Smith is now gearing up for her second season with Arsenal, where she scored a goal in a pre-season match against Charlton Athletic. With the season already concluded, she feels more confident about her future with the club. "I am so grateful to call Arsenal my home now," she said, excited to have a stable environment to grow and learn from world-class players.