Sierra’s bio
- Birth Date: July 4, 2003
- Birth Place: Canada
- Kicking Foot: right
- Jersey Number: 13
- Playing Position: Goalkeeper
- Signing Date: January 23, 2025
Pronunciation: see-AIR-uh DEE-oh-LEEN-duh COH-tuh YARD
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Toronto, ON
ACQUIRED
Announced by AFC Toronto in January 2025, ahead of the club’s inaugural Northern Super League season.
TRANSACTIONS
Joined AFC Toronto following a standout collegiate career across three NCAA programs and international experience with Portugal's national teams. December 17, 2025, contract extension signed through the 2027 season.
PROFESSIONAL
Cota-Yarde made her professional debut in 2025 with AFC Toronto during the club’s historic inaugural Northern Super League season, contributing to a squad that finished as Regular Season Champions and Supporters’ Shield winners. Known for her shot-stopping abilities and leadership at the back, she provided depth in goal throughout the campaign and enters the club’s second season with valuable professional experience.
2025 – AFC Toronto
Cota-Yarde appeared in 13 regular season matches, making 11 starts, and recorded 35 saves and seven clean sheets while helping anchor one of the league’s top defensive units. She went on to start all three playoff matches, adding 10 postseason saves.
INTERNATIONAL
Eligible to represent both Canada and Portugal, Cota-Yarde chose to represent Portugal in honour of her maternal heritage. She has earned 3 caps with the U19s, 6 caps with the U23s, and made her senior national team debut on February 27, 2024, in a friendly against South Korea. As of early 2025, she has 1 senior cap for Portugal.
COLLEGE
Cota-Yarde began her collegiate career at Prairie View A&M University in 2021, where she played in seven matches and recorded three shutouts. She transferred to the University of Arkansas, where she made 13 appearances over two seasons. In 2024, she transferred again to Southern Methodist University, where she started all 17 matches, played 1,365 minutes, made 77 saves, and earned two solo shutouts and two shared clean sheets. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, minoring in Human Development and Family Studies, and earned a Master’s of Liberal Studies.
LEAGUE1 ONTARIO
Cota-Yarde played with North Toronto SC in League1 Ontario from 2022 to 2024, making eight appearances across two seasons. Her performances demonstrated both her development and readiness for the professional game.
YOUTH
Cota-Yarde developed her skills at SC Toronto, Benfica Toronto, and North Toronto Nitros, before rising through the League1 and NCAA ranks. She played her earliest games in Timbits house league at Christie Pits Park, coached by Danny Neto.
OFF THE FIELD
In addition to her academic achievements, Cota-Yarde is passionate about mental performance and athlete wellness. She was named to the SEC Community Service Team in 2023 and is an advocate for youth development through sport.
