Canadian women’s sport is inspiring girls nationwide
27-Aug-2025.
Canadian women athletes are in the spotlight this summer, delivering historic victories that could shape the future of sport for girls across the country.
Women athletes like Brooke Henderson, Summer McIntosh and Victoria Mboko have gotten a lot of attention and advocates hope their success will help boost participation in women’s sports.
Marijke Vandergrift, director of Brand & Partnership with Canadian Women & Sport, “It’s been quite the summer for women’s sport, and even beyond the golf course, the tennis court and the pool”.
“It is really an exciting time for women and girls in sport”, Vandergrift said.
Henderson cemented her place as Canada’s most successful golfer of all time on August 24. The Smiths Falls, Ont., native captured her second Canadian Women’s Open and snapped a two-year drought. She has the most career wins of any Canadian professional golfer with 14 on the LPGA Tour.
Henderson said after the win. “It’s like a dream come true again.”
“I’m just super excited that this actually happened”.
“I think this was a huge win for Canada and Canadian golf, so I’m really proud”, said the 27-year-old and added that the victory felt bigger than personal success.
Toronto’s Summer McIntosh did the nation proud by capturing four gold medals at the World Aquatics Championships, last month. And on the pitch, Olivia Smith of Whitby, Ont., made headlines becoming the most expensive player in women’s soccer history.
The 20-year-old was transferred from Liverpool to Arsenal for £1 million (C$1.8 million) in July.
All the while, Victoria Mboko stunned fans by winning the Canadian Open in Montreal just weeks ago. The 18-year-old from Burlington, Ont., beat four Grand Slam champions in the process, though she was defeated on August 25 during her inaugural appearance at the U.S. Open.
This summer’s individual triumphs come as professional women’s sports continue to grow in Canada. The Northern Super League, a new pro women’s soccer league, launched its first season this spring.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League is getting ready for its third season this fall and the WNBA is set to expand to Canada with the Toronto Tempo.
Vandergrift says, “It feels like women’s sport is really thriving in Canada,”.
Vandergrift further said, “If they can see it, they can be it”. “And they can be the next Brooke, Victoria or Summer.”
