Downing Inks Professional Soccer Contract with Ottawa Rapid FC
1/27/2025 3:23:00 PM | Women's Soccer
OMAHA, Neb. – Recent Creighton women's soccer graduate and standout Stella Downing officially announced the signing of her first professional soccer contract. Downing inked a deal to play for the Ottawa Rapid FC within the newly formed Canadian Northern Super League (NSL) during the 2025 season.
"I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to continue to play the game I love professionally," said Downing. "To be able to do it in my home country and be a part of history in Canada is a true blessing."
Downing made an immediate impact in her lone season on the pitch with the Bluejays, earning Second Team All-BIG EAST honors in 2024. The Vancouver, Canada native scored a total of three goals and dished out an assist in 955 minutes of action last season, including the first brace of her career in the Bluejays' 2-1 victory over UConn on Oct. 6.
Over the course of her collegiate career, Downing registered six assists and netted three goals while playing nearly 3,000 minutes and will now return home to Canada, where she earned a bronze medal at the Concacaf U-17 Championship back in 2019.
"I owe everything to my family who have supported me unconditionally and to the chosen family I have met along the way," added Downing. "Thank You to my coaches and my teammates at Creighton who gave me a home away from home. Go Jays!!"
"We are really pleased and proud that we have another Bluejay playing in the pro ranks," said Creighton head coach Jimmy Walker. "It's great that Stella has signed a contract with Ottawa and is close to home doing what she wants to do. She has been a great player for Creighton, is extremely athletic, very competitive and on her day has the ability to change a game. We are so proud of Stella because her goal has always been to play professional soccer. We are excited to see her go on and represent Creighton at the next level."
"I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to continue to play the game I love professionally," said Downing. "To be able to do it in my home country and be a part of history in Canada is a true blessing."
Downing made an immediate impact in her lone season on the pitch with the Bluejays, earning Second Team All-BIG EAST honors in 2024. The Vancouver, Canada native scored a total of three goals and dished out an assist in 955 minutes of action last season, including the first brace of her career in the Bluejays' 2-1 victory over UConn on Oct. 6.
Over the course of her collegiate career, Downing registered six assists and netted three goals while playing nearly 3,000 minutes and will now return home to Canada, where she earned a bronze medal at the Concacaf U-17 Championship back in 2019.
"I owe everything to my family who have supported me unconditionally and to the chosen family I have met along the way," added Downing. "Thank You to my coaches and my teammates at Creighton who gave me a home away from home. Go Jays!!"
"We are really pleased and proud that we have another Bluejay playing in the pro ranks," said Creighton head coach Jimmy Walker. "It's great that Stella has signed a contract with Ottawa and is close to home doing what she wants to do. She has been a great player for Creighton, is extremely athletic, very competitive and on her day has the ability to change a game. We are so proud of Stella because her goal has always been to play professional soccer. We are excited to see her go on and represent Creighton at the next level."
Players Mentioned
M
/ Women's SoccerCreighton Women's Soccer Media Availability - 10/29/25
Wednesday, October 29
Creighton Women's Soccer Highlights at Butler - 10-25-25
Sunday, October 26
Creighton Women's Soccer Postgame vs. Seton Hall, 10/22/25
Thursday, October 23
Creighton Women's Soccer Highlights vs. Seton Hall, 10/22/25
Thursday, October 23
