Canadian football writer, Julia Ranney takes a deep dive into the career of fellow compatriot Shelina Zadorsky, West Ham United women’s team’s newest signing!
Here’s seven things you need to know about the central defender who has arrived on loan from Tottenham Hotspur for the remainder of the 2023/24 season.
1. Reigning Olympic champion
Not only does the 31-year-old enter West Ham United with previous WSL experience, but she also comes with a prestigious piece of silverware. Zadorsky and her Canadian teammates earned gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics when they beat Sweden on penalties.
On the road to Olympic glory, Zadorsky played 90 minutes in Canada’s first two matches against Japan (1-1 draw) and Chile (2-1 win). She was ever-present during Canada’s silver medal finish at the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament that secured their spot in Tokyo.
In her Olympic debut at Rio 2016, where Canada won bronze, Zadorsky played 90 minutes in each of the Reds’ last four games and played an essential role in Canada’s third-place finish.
Zadorsky has 95 caps for her country, and will hope to earn more whilst here in east London ahead of another Olympic campaign this summer!
2. An abundance of WSL experience
Zadorsky arrives in east London from near-neighbour Spurs, where she has featured 56 times in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
That experience will be vital as the Hammers look to push themselves further up the table in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.
Indeed, Zadorsky will also link up with Rehanne Skinner once again, having played for the manager during her time at Spurs, where the central defender marshaled a backline that helped them to a fifth placed finish in 2021/22, their highest ever league finish in the top flight to date.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Rehanne again,” Zadorsky told West Ham TV. “I think we’ve had time to develop a good relationship over the years.
“She knows how to push me and challenge me in ways that help me to produce my best form and to be the defender I know I can be for the team.”
3. Mental health advocate
Last season, Zadorsky spoke openly about overcoming a host of physical and mental challenges. Over the past year, she contracted COVID-19 twice and glandular fever plus tested positive for celiac disease.
In April, the centre-back took to X to open up about her struggles and to inspire people to keep going, no matter how dark things may seem.
“For the first time in my career I reached a limit…I have been dealing with health challenges relating to COVID, illness, fatigue and honestly every sick symptom you can name,” Zadorsky said. “...This message is to anyone who is struggling. You are not alone, so take the small wins, reach out for help, and whether good or bad, this too shall pass.”
Since returning to the pitch, Zadorsky has become an advocate for mental health.
4. The resident hype woman
Zadorsky is known for her confidence on the pitch and ability to build an attack from the backline. However, she also has fighting energy and will use her experience and leadership to uplift and support her teammates.
This personality, combined with her technical skills, has earned her 95 caps for Canada – and counting. Her reliability and consistency from both a technical and motivational standpoint will prove vital for the Hammers in the second half of their WSL campaign.
“I’ve always been a hype woman for sure. I love celebrating people’s success. One of the reasons I love football is the way you work together as a team for a shared goal…Getting the best out of other people while challenging myself to be the best is something I enjoy,” Zadorsky told soccerbible.com in 2021.
5. Globetrotter
Although Zadorsky joins West Ham from another English club, her career has taken her beyond the scope of the United Kingdom.
Zadorsky was born in London, Ontario and played for the Michigan Wolverines in college, where she received a degree in Psychology.. Her professional career began in Ottawa, Ontario before getting her break for Perth Glory in Australia in 2014. From there, Zadorsky signed for Vittsjö GIK in Sweden (2015-16), and played for Washington Spirit (2016-18) and Orlando Pride (2018-20) in the NWSL before making a move to Tottenham.
Throughout her career, Zadorsky has played and befriended some of the sport’s notable names including Alex Morgan, Alanna Kennedy and former Hammer Adriana Leon.
6. Nando’s is her guilty pleasure
In a recent video with Sky Sports Football, Zadorsky revealed that despite her focus on nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, she can’t resist Nando’s takeout.
“I touched down in [England] from the World Cup and I got it right away, it’s good…I’ve done damage there,” Zadorsky said.
When she doesn’t feel like cooking, Zadorsky's go-to order is the veggie wrap – sometimes with chips, sometimes without. However, just make sure to hold the spice.
“I’m such a baby. They’re like what spice? And I’m like lemon and herb,” she said with a laugh.
7. A lifelong sports fan
Zadorsky began playing football at age four and even played on an all-boys team at age 11. However, football wasn’t her only athletic pursuit growing up.
The Canadian international also participated in track and field, basketball and volleyball. In an Instagram Live with Alanna Kennedy, Zadorsky noted how much she enjoyed playing volleyball and how team sports have a special place in her heart.
However, Zadorsky shared that if she had to choose an individual sport to play, it would be tennis.
“I think [tennis] is the coolest sport. But at the same time it would be very lonely. The training hours and competition is all against yourself,” she said.
*The views and opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views opinions of West Ham United.
