Canadian soccer is well known for a long line of goalkeeping excellence, and Kailen Sheridan is the latest standout talent to carry that legacy forward.
Stepping into the role left by Stephanie Labbé after her retirement in 2022 following Olympic gold, the Ontario native has thrived as CanWNT’s No. 1 keeper.
“Before I even was introduced into the group, there was an environment created where we wanted to make sure as much as possible we’re going to compete and push each other constantly day in day out,” Sheridan told Canadian Soccer Daily in an exclusive interview when asked about CanWNT’s goalkeeping department which includes Sabrina D’Angelo and Lysianne Proulx.
“It’s important to have a relationship where you trust each other and you can constantly push each other to be better, without beating each other down. I know that every single day they’re gonna push me. They’re gonna make me better. I constantly want to make sure that I’m doing that for them as well.”
Quickly becoming the trusted starter, Sheridan made her 50th international appearance on June 1 at home in Montréal in a 2-0 victory over Mexico. Ironically, the clean sheet was her 25th for Canada, an achievement the team prioritizes every time they take the pitch.
“We can’t continue to win games without the clean-sheet mentality. It’s always been so important to keep that clean sheet and give our forwards the opportunity to win us the game,” Sheridan elaborated. “Typically when we do have a clean sheet, we’ve been able to put games away and then come out on top. We take so much pride in that.”
Canada’s mentality will be tested as they gear up to defend their throne this summer in Paris. Though nerves are something every player up for selection currently shares, the final decision is not in their hands. What they can control, however, is what they have shown this spring. The June international window was the last opportunity to put everything on display.
“We made sure that we’re challenging each other, being the strongest athletes and teammates that we can be and really making Bev [Priestman]’s job as hard as possible,” Sheridan told Canadian Soccer Daily. “I don’t envy her (Priestman) position right now. There are a lot of very difficult decisions that need to be made.”
The two-game send-off series against Mexico pulled nearly 35,000 fans, combined, in Montréal and Toronto; a huge turnout for two friendlies with one coming on a Tuesday night. Sadly, this was an occasion which was absent last year prior to the World Cup, and as Sheridan put it best, it was “definitely disappointing”.
“Being able to be home with our fans, our family, our friends, and be able to have everybody who’s gotten us to this point included was a big moment for each player individually and as a team collective,” Sheridan highlighted.
“Growing up in Canada, you constantly dream of these venues, you get to see your heroes in them and to be able to play in them is such an unbelievable moment. When you see it, you know you could be a part of it, you dream about it.”
Sheridan’s milestone for country came a few days before making club history with the San Diego Wave. Hosting the Orlando Pride after the break, the Canadian made her 500th regular season save in the 33rd minute, becoming the youngest goalkeeper in NWSL history to reach the milestone. Sheridan was not keeping track of the numbers, “I had no idea, no clue.” Two achievements across two coasts, the difference? “It’s not Lake Ontario, I can tell you that.”
Her recognition with the Wave has been credit to her hard work and continued improvement of her overall game, something San Diego head coach Casey Stoney has played an integral role in.
“She’s a phenomenal coach to play under. She instills confidence in players, constantly wants to help people grow and become better versions of themselves on and off the field,” Sheridan explains. “It doesn’t matter if you’re starting every game. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t touched the field for two years. She’s willing to stay out and put the extra time in with you.”
The Canadian keeper’s confidence has grown on the pitch and led to consistently strong performances. Unsurprisingly, Stoney has provided a canvas for such growth to take place.
“Casey [Stoney] allows me to try things to play freely and creates an environment where I can trust my abilities. She’ll still challenge me,” Sheridan said. “Ultimately, the freedom and the trust where you feel like you can make a mistake and bounce back without judgment or without repercussions happening is such a weight off your shoulders as a player where it really brings out the best of you. If I didn’t have that freedom, I don’t think I would continue to grow as much.”
Sheridan was traded to the expansion Wave from NJ/NY Gotham FC in 2021. Since then, the 28-year-old has won the NWSL Shield and the Challenge Cup including being named 2022 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in her first season.
“We want to continue to bring more silverware back. San Diego deserves more silverware and that’s the goal ultimately.” Sheridan explained.
With no Canadian professional league until the launch of the Northern Super League in April of 2025, the journey of Canadians abroad is always one to follow. After five seasons in New Jersey, Sheridan knew she wanted to explore other options.
“San Diego showed me their higher interest in me than what was being offered elsewhere and I think knowing you’re wanted somewhere is really important for athletes.
“It was a great feeling to go into it, to feel respected and wanted by that club. The club itself had so many good things that players would want to play for. They had an incredible coach already where every player that’s played for her said nothing but good things.
“They have this vision to create one of the best clubs in the world, and that’s something you ultimately want to be a part. And how can you not want to live in the city of San Diego as well.”
Sheridan started working with a sports psychologist and mental performance looking to improve herself as both a player and person off the pitch. Different from outfield players, goalkeepers play a unique position where a single error can decide the outcome of the game, an experience the Canadian admits “can be lonely.”
“It was probably one of the weakest points of my game in the past,” Sheridan said. “Working with sports psychologists was incredibly important for me to learn more about myself and how to better perform under those types of pressure situations. I’ve gotten to a place where I have never been.”
Although much more common in recent years, there’s still a stigma and possible consequences when around sports psychologists. But not to Sheridan.
“It’s one of the most powerful things and I will fight against anybody who doesn’t agree. It’s the best and the hardest aspect of sport.
“Some of the best athletes in the world are the ones who have conquered the mental side of their sport. The hardest thing for me getting into it, was committing to myself and willing to be uncomfortable. But once you get to a place where you’ve broken down a few, the walls continue to fall. It’s really important for me to continue to push those down so I can be the best athlete, and a really good person within my community and in my marriage.”
Her Tim Hortons order perhaps best reveals the trick to Sheridan’s balance. “A regular coffee, milk and sugar with a honey cruller, all day.”
