For Sarah Rollins, soccer was not always the plan.

Growing up in Toronto, Rollins played a variety of sports before soccer ultimately emerged as the one that pulled her in. What started as one of many athletic pursuits became the sport she fell in love with, drawn to its combination of physicality, athleticism and mental demands.

“Soccer uses so many different skills,” Rollins says. “You need endurance, speed, short and long distance, physicality, fast feet, brains, plyometrics and jumping. I really enjoyed the physicality and difficulty of the sport.”

That appetite for challenge has defined Rollins’ path ever since. She continued her development at the University of British Columbia, where she learned what it takes to compete for a place on a deep, high-level team. Surrounded by talented players and pushed every day in a demanding training environment, Rollins raised her standards and developed an even stronger hunger to win.

“Playing at UBC taught me how to train and compete to fight for a spot on an extremely strong and deep team,” she says. “Being surrounded by high-level players in a high-quality training environment pushed me to raise my standards.”

It also reinforced something that would become a defining part of her career: Rollins wants to win. That mentality followed her to AFC Toronto, where the 21-year-old has spent the past 18 months making the transition to the professional game.

“It’s been a very challenging and eye-opening experience, but ultimately very rewarding,” Rollins says. “Winning the league and growing individually has been very rewarding.”

The adjustment was not always easy. The physical demands of the professional game, combined with the expectation to perform at a high level every day, presented a new challenge.

“At first it was very tough,” she says. “The toll on your body and mentally showing your best every day is challenging, but fun.”

For Rollins, much of the reward has come from the people around her. AFC Toronto’s dressing room brings together players from a range of backgrounds and experiences, creating an environment where everyone brings something different to the pitch.

“It’s been such a great experience to train and play alongside so many talented players who have come together from many different environments, bringing different perspectives to the pitch,” she says.

That environment has helped fuel a breakout 2026 season. 

Rollins has played every minute of every AFC Toronto match this season, becoming a key part of one of the league’s strongest defensive units. Her consistency and composure have established her as one of the team’s most reliable performers, while her continued growth has earned praise from head coach Marko Milanovic.

Rollins is quick to credit the environment around her for her progress.

“Definitely Marko and my teammates,” she says. “Marko has grown my individual skills every day in training. He challenges me to always be better and takes extra time out of his day to help and do film with me whenever I have questions.”

Her teammates provide a similar challenge. “They always bring a competitive environment every day, so you have to show your best and match their level.”

Milanovic has gone even further, saying he believes Rollins could be the best centre back in the league. 

For Rollins, the praise is meaningful, but it is not a reason to stop pushing. “It means a lot, honestly,” she says. “To have your coach believe in your ability and encourage the performances you’ve had is really encouraging. It gives me confidence but also motivates me to keep improving.”

That mindset is at the heart of why Rollins has committed her future to AFC Toronto through 2028.

The decision was an easy one.

“Toronto is my home and I’m on the best team in the league, so the decision was ultimately not difficult,” she says.

But there is more to it than simply staying close to home. Rollins believes there is unfinished business with AFC Toronto and plenty more to accomplish as the club continues to establish itself at the top of the Northern Super League.

“I believe there is still more I can accomplish with AFC,” she says. “Being part of a team with such high standards in a league that is striving to be one of the best in the world is really exciting.”

And she will continue to do it with her biggest supporters close by. “I also have the best support system here with my family and extended family constantly showing up and supporting me.”

For Rollins, some of the most meaningful moments of her AFC Toronto journey have come when that support has been shared with her teammates.

Her favourite memories are not individual accolades or performances, but the moments when the entire team experienced something together: winning the league in the club’s inaugural season and advancing through the playoff semifinals in the snow.

“Those moments are special because you experience them together as a team,” she says. “You remember the emotions and environment just as much as the result.”

Now, with her future secured through 2028, Rollins has the opportunity to keep building on those moments. And if she could go back to the young athlete who played all those different sports growing up, she would not tell her to pick soccer sooner or map out exactly where the sport would take her.

She would tell her to keep playing.

“Keep doing all the things you love to do. Take advantage of every opportunity. Don’t worry about knowing exactly where soccer will take you. Enjoy playing and keep working.”

From a multi-sport athlete finding her way to soccer, to a UBC standout, to a league champion and one of AFC Toronto’s most important defenders, Rollins’ journey has never followed a straight line.

And she is not done yet.