OTTAWA (Jan. 6, 2026) – Ottawa Rapid FC defender Nicola Golen, who provided speed and uncompromising work rate along the back line during the club’s inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) season, has agreed to terms on a new contract, keeping her in Ottawa through the 2026 season.

“She’s fast, technically gifted, and absolutely unpredictable,” said Rapid FC Technical Director Kristina Kiss. “She’s exceptionally creative on the ball and she’s a great teammate to boot. We’re just beginning to scratch the surface of her potential, and we are very happy to have her back for 2026.”

The Canadian defender appeared in key moments throughout the season, recording one goal and three assists across 800 minutes played while registering seven total shots.

Golen scored her first NSL goal on June 21, 2025, redirecting a ball from Forbes in a 3–1 victory over Calgary Wild FC at The Stadium at TD Place.

Before turning professional, the defender spent four seasons at Harvard. As a senior in 2024, Golen appeared in 15 matches, making 12 starts, while tallying one goal and three assists and logging 1,091 minutes. She helped Harvard secure a spot in the Ivy League Tournament and previously played a role in the Crimson’s Ivy League Championship and inaugural Ivy League Tournament title in 2023.

Golen has been part of the Canada Soccer national team program since 2017, representing the country at the U17 level and participating in a Canada Soccer U20 camp in January 2022. Prior to her collegiate career, she developed within the Ontario Rex Program, competed for Team Ontario, and played club soccer with the North Toronto Nitros.