Canada’s No. 1 goalkeeper inks new contract with Wave through 2026 

San Diego Wave FC announced today that the club has signed goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan to a new contract. Sheridan is under contract with the Wave through the 2026 season*.

“Kailen is a highly talented goalkeeper, and this new contract is a testament to our belief in her being the best in the world and her abilities as a player,” said San Diego Wave FC General Manager Molly Downtain. “Kailen is a true leader on and off the field and her experience and winning mentality allows the Wave to be a top-contending team for years to come.”

Sheridan, 28, completed her sixth NWSL season in 2022, appearing in all 18 regular season matches, keeping a career-high eight clean sheets for the Wave and earning her first NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year award. In her standout season, Sheridan helped the club rank second in team defense, while stopping three of four penalty attempts. Through 13 starts in 2023, Sheridan has earned five clean sheets and 47 saves.

“Kailen has established herself as one of the best goalkeepers and it has shown both in her club and international career,” said San Diego Wave FC Head Coach Casey Stoney. “She continues to demonstrate that she is the most well-rounded goalkeeper in the world. Her shot-stopping ability, leadership and distribution make her a major asset to Wave’s success.” 

Sheridan originally joined NJ/NY Gotham after being drafted by the club 23rd overall in 2017 out of Clemson University. In her five years with Gotham, Sheridan earned 91 appearances (91 starts) across all competitions, while setting the record for most penalty saves in league history (nine).

At the international level, Sheridan has appeared in 36 matches (31 starts) for Canada, recording 17 clean sheets. Sheridan earned her first cap in a 1-0 win against Iceland in the Algarve Cup group stage on March 7, 2016. She was a member of the 2020 Canadian Women’s National Team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where Canada took gold after defeating Sweden in penalty kicks. Since taking over Canada’s starting goalkeeper role, she’s earned the Golden Glove at the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship where she allowed one goal in five total appearances.

Sheridan is currently with Canada Women’s National team for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. She has started in the first two matches for Canada, earning a 0-0 shutout against Nigeria and a 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland.

Name: Kailen Sheridan
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of Birth: July 16, 1995
Hometown: Pickering, Ontario, Canada
Citizenship: Canada

*Contract is the maximum three-year contract length, plus an option year. The option has been exercised.