KaelaHansen

Pronouns: She/Her

Position: Defender 

Hometown: Burnaby, British Columbia

Previous Club: KuPS Naiset (Finland)

College: University of Kansas — Major in Sports Management, Minor in Business

ACQUIRED
Announced  by AFC Toronto on December 2024, ahead of the 2025 Northern Super League season.

TRANSACTIONS
 Joined AFC Toronto following successful seasons with KuPS in Finland and ŽFK Spartak Subotica in Serbia.

PROFESSIONAL
Hansen has built a strong résumé across European football, winning league and cup titles in Serbia with ŽFK Spartak Subotica and earning a silver medal with KuPS in Finland’s top flight. She competed in two UEFA Women’s Champions League campaigns, advancing to the second round in 2023–24. Known for her tactical awareness and leadership, she brings defensive versatility and Champions League pedigree to AFC Toronto.

INTERNATIONAL
Kaela is eligible to represent both Canada and Philippines internationally. A former Canadian youth international, Hansen represented Canada at the U17 and U20 levels, including the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup (Jordan 2016) and Three-Nations Tournaments in China and Australia.

COLLEGE
A five-year starter and team leader at the University of Kansas, Hansen holds the program record for most minutes and games played. She led her team to the 2019 Big 12 Championship and three NCAA Tournament appearances, earning Defensive MVP honors and national defensive rankings throughout her career.

YOUTH
Came through the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite program and Canada Soccer’s Regional EXCEL Centre. Her early years included playing for South Burnaby Metro Club, often with boys’ teams, and representing BC in national competitions.

OFF THE FIELD
In addition to her academic honors and leadership experience, Kaela co-hosts the One Soccer Nation Podcast, using her platform to elevate footballer voices and promote transparency in the women’s game.