At just 24 years old, Olivia Scott has emerged as one of the standout leaders in the Northern Super League (NSL), guiding Ottawa Rapid through a successful campaign that has the club firmly in second place in the league standings.

Now in the club”s second season, Scott has embraced the responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband while helping Ottawa continue to build on the foundation established during its inaugural year. The Canadian defender has been a steady presence both on and off the field, helping foster a culture that is beginning to deliver results.

“It’s year two, so we’ve just been trying to build off that foundation we built last year,” Scott said. “It’s still early in the season, but some highlights so far would be getting our first win in the home opener in Ottawa and just having a lot of teammates getting their first pro goals.”

Those milestones have reflected Ottawa’s growth as a club. The Rapid have shown resilience and consistency throughout the campaign, establishing themselves as legitimate contenders in the NSL. While the team’s success has been a collective effort, Scott’s leadership has been impossible to overlook.

For the captain, one achievement stands above the rest. “Individually, a highlight would definitely be becoming captain,” she said. The appointment was a fitting recognition for a player whose soccer journey has been defined by leadership, commitment, and a relentless drive to improve. Before joining Ottawa, Scott represented Canada at the youth national team level, an experience she credits with shaping both her game and her mindset.

“Representing Canada at the youth national team level was a huge honor and played a big role in my development,” Scott said. “Being around some of the best players in the country pushed me to raise my standards and showed me what it takes to compete at a high level.”

The lessons she learned while wearing the Maple Leaf continue to influence her approach today.

“The biggest lessons I took away were the importance of consistency, hard work, and being adaptable in different environments,” she explained. “Those experiences helped shape my mindset and are things I still carry with me today.”

Those qualities have become hallmarks of Scott’s leadership style. Whether organizing the back line, mentoring younger teammates, or setting the standard in training, she has helped create an environment where players can thrive. The number of teammates scoring their first professional goals this season is a testament to the confidence and belief growing throughout the squad. As Ottawa pushes toward the top of the NSL table, Scott remains focused on the bigger picture. While results matter, she believes maintaining a love for the game is what ultimately sustains long-term success.

“My biggest piece of advice is to never lose your love for the game,” she said. “When you’re training every day, playing games, and constantly focused on improving, you can lose sight of why you started playing in the first place.” For young athletes aspiring to follow a similar path, Scott’s message is simple but powerful.

“If you stay connected to what made you fall in love with the sport, you’ll enjoy and appreciate the journey and be able to get through the tough moments that come along the way.”

That mindset has helped carry Olivia Scott from Canada’s youth national teams to the captaincy of Ottawa Rapid. As the club continues its impressive season and chases silverware in the NSL, Scott’s influence remains at the heart of Ottawa’s success; leading by example and inspiring the next generation of Canadian soccer players along the way.