Before she was named MVP of a national championship, before she played professionally in four countries, Miranda Smith almost walked away from the game entirely.
The Ottawa-born midfielder started young, developing her skills with clubs like the Gloucester Hornets and Cumberland Cobras. By high school, she was representing Team Ontario and earning a Division I scholarship to the University of Memphis. But what should have been a dream chapter quickly unraveled. “I became a shell of myself,” she says. “I lost sight of why I played.”
Everything shifted after a phone call with longtime mentor Steve Johnson, head coach of the University of Ottawa. He encouraged her to give soccer one last shot—no pressure, no expectations. Just see how it felt.
Two years later, Smith scored the winning goal in the 2018 national final and was named MVP. It was a full-circle moment that reignited her passion for the game and set the stage for a pro career that’s taken her across Europe and the Middle East.
Now with Ottawa Rapid FC, Smith is back on home turf—still playing, still evolving, and helping shape the next chapter of Canadian women’s soccer.
Miranda Smith, Ottawa-born midfielder and national championship MVP, is helping lead the next chapter of women’s soccer with Ottawa Rapid FC. | Photography by Sean Sisk
What are your earliest memories of playing the game?
Two words come to mind: joy and passion. I had coaches like Chris Grimes and Sanjeev Parmar who taught me what it meant to play soccer, not just be an athlete. Sanjeev believed in me, and because of that, I believed in myself.
Your brother didn’t stick with the sport, but he was a big influence early on.
From the time I could walk, I wanted to do everything he did. I started riding a bike at two because he did. With soccer, it was the same. He didn’t end up loving it, but going to his games is what made me want to play.
How did the Canada Summer Games shape your outlook as a young player?
It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Competing on that scale with my best friends like Vanessa Gilles made it special. Being in that high-level environment made me want it more—I wanted to keep playing at the highest level I could.
Memphis was a hard chapter. What made it so difficult?
It wasn’t about playing time—I was lucky to play more than most. But the environment was very verbally and mentally abusive, and I was often a main target. I left home for the first time thinking I’d gain independence, and instead, I felt like I was living under a microscope. I already struggled with anxiety, but there, it spiraled. I started to feel like I couldn’t make mistakes, like I wasn’t allowed to be human. I convinced myself I had to be perfect, and the harder I tried, the more mistakes I made. I called my parents every day. At one point they even flew down to check on me. I had completely lost sight of why I played soccer. I started to resent the game. I hated who it had made me become.
What did returning to Ottawa and joining the Gee-Gees give back to you?
Playing at Ottawa U was like being able to breathe again. I found myself, and my passion, again. The 2018 season will always be my favourite year of soccer—OUA champs, national champs, and a team that was truly on the same page.
You scored the game-winner at nationals. What do you remember about that moment?
Sometimes I’m still speechless. I don’t even know what came over me to take that shot, but I’m glad I did. Two years before, I was contemplating never playing again. That moment was everything.
You’ve now played in Finland, Iceland, France, and Israel. What have those experiences taught you?
I’ve learned to be brave, adaptable, and to trust myself. Playing abroad is tough—your teammates don’t know you, and coaches have only seen a few clips. You have to be your own source of confidence. Off the field, it can be isolating, but getting through that is rewarding.
Were there other moments when you considered walking away from soccer?
Yes. I had 18 months of health issues. One thing would heal, and something else would happen. When I tore my plantar fascia, I felt like all the odds were against me. But after some time, I realized I still had unfinished business.
What brought you back to play in Ottawa this season?
After living in Israel and experiencing what it means to fear for your life, I was ready to be home. I wanted to be around my family and friends and be part of something that’s never been done before in women’s soccer here.
You’ve spoken openly about mental health in athletics. Why is that so important to you?
Because our brains are the reason we can do what we do. Athletes are some of the most susceptible to mental health struggles.
Competing at high levels with a margin for error so small—it’s a huge weight. But we still don’t treat mental health the way we treat physical health. We rush to heal the body but hesitate when it comes to the mind. I’ll keep speaking about it because I’ve seen too many athletes suffer, myself included. We need better resources, better support, and to make mental health a real priority in sports—not just something we talk about.
What would you tell a young girl starting out in soccer today?
Have fun. That’s why you started, and it’s okay to enjoy it. And if you have big dreams—go after them. The sacrifices are worth it.
What does a day off look like for you?
I work two other jobs, so usually I’m doing that or catching up with friends and family. I’m also a big coffee drinker, so I’m working on a summer bucket list of local cafés.
How do you define success now?
Success looks like finding joy in what I do. I used to think success brought happiness, but now I know if I’m not happy on the way there, it’s not really success.
And looking ahead—what’s next?
I’d love to find a way to combine my passion for mental health with my communications degree. Maybe even broadcasting. And I’ll always be part of the soccer world somehow.
