Veteran Beckie excited at hiring of Casey Stoney, but work remains for Canada's women's soccer team

When Janine Beckie found out who the new head coach of Canada's women's soccer team would be, she felt excitement above all else. Beckie, a veteran on Canada's team, said Casey Stoney is the "perfect fit" and is encouraged by the hire. 

"I can speak for myself and the excitement I feel to have a manager with her experience, personality, reputation and character," said Beckie via email. She said she hadn't spoken to many of her national teammates since a call with Stoney and Canada Soccer general secretary Kevin Blue last weekend.

On Monday, Canada Soccer announced that former England international captain Stoney had been appointed to the job, replacing Bev Priestman who was fired in the wake of the Paris Olympics drone-spying scandal.

Stoney is a stalwart of England's program as a player of 18 years with its national women's team, and was the first woman coach of Manchester United's women side, as well as the first coach of the NWSL's San Diego Wave in their inaugural season in 2021.

In addition to recognizing Stoney's storied career and strong sense of character, Beckie commented on the selection process which included former national team players Diana Matheson, Steph Labbe, Melissa Tancredi and Erin McLeod.

Beckie said that the search for a new head coach was "a detailed, well-organized and extensive search to find the right fit." Having former players as advisors and consultants in this process is an important step to move and push to new success. 

"I couldn't be more excited that this is the result of their diligence and effort," said Beckie, who plays professionally for Racing Louisville FC of the NWSL.

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