Clarissa Larisse’s Promising NWSL Debut
Clarissa Larisse has kicked off her NWSL journey with the Houston Dash in perhaps the best way possible.
In her first match for the team, she netted the opening goal and assisted the second within just 45 minutes of play, helping the Dash secure a 3-0 victory against the San Diego Wave at Snapdragon Stadium on September 7.
Interestingly enough, not so long ago, playing in the NWSL or even pursuing a professional career seemed far from Larisse’s mind. Originally from Ottawa, Ontario, she made a name for herself during her time at the University of Memphis, earning spots on the AAC All-Rookie Team and multiple All-Conference teams throughout her college years.
However, despite these accolades, she hadn’t even heard of the NWSL until her third year of college. “I was thinking, ‘What can I do when I’m done?'” she reflected. “That was when I discovered the NWSL and opportunities in Europe. It’s been a goal of mine since childhood—to play on the national team, though I didn’t know much about professional teams back then. For me, it was all about Team Canada.”
Her professional career began overseas in Europe, starting with a stint at Valur in Reykjavik, Iceland, where she played seven times and scored twice. She then moved to Celtic FC in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, where she quickly established herself by scoring 12 goals in 12 matches.
“The coach at Celtic really believed in me based on my time in Iceland,” Larisse shared. “That confidence was infectious. I felt good knowing he saw something in me that perhaps I hadn’t fully showcased yet.”
After her success in Scotland, where she hit double figures in goals, she transferred to BK Hacken in Sweden in January 2023. “Out of all the options, Sweden felt like the right place for my growth,” she stated, adding, “I’m still on my journey to improve and Sweden just seemed like the ideal next step.”
Her experience with BK Hacken allowed her to compete in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and she cites scoring against Chelsea in the 2023 group stage as her most memorable moment.
With 13 goals across 40 competitive games for the club, Larisse’s scoring ability led her to Crystal Palace in the English Women’s Super League. She considers this league to be among the top two in women’s soccer.
However, injuries have plagued her career, causing her to miss significant playing time. In fact, although she was named to Canada’s squad for an April friendly, she had to withdraw due to injury.
Yet, Larisse stays optimistic, reminding herself that setbacks are part of the game. Injuries had sidelined her during a crucial period in the WSL, but when Crystal Palace faced relegation at the end of the 2024-2025 season, it seemed like the right moment for her transition to the NWSL.
Returning to the United States has come with its own set of nerves, but Larisse is embracing the challenge. She describes her teammates on the Dash as “absolutely amazing” and is thrilled to contribute again on the field.
This includes her return to the Canadian national team, albeit with limited game time. Since her first call-up in 2022, she has earned 12 caps, scoring two goals and providing an assist.
“Hearing about my first call-up felt like the whole world shook,” she recalled. “I’m really thankful for the opportunity to represent my country.”
Larisse admits she wants more stability within the national team. “The most important thing for me is trying to be more consistent,” she noted. “With so many talented Canadian players, it’s been a bit of a challenge to find my place. I want to keep proving myself, whether I’m on the field for five minutes or getting a start. I’m eager to contribute more and show everyone that I deserve to be part of this team.”
Her journey is remarkable, especially considering she once didn’t even know women’s professional soccer was a possibility. Every goal serves as a testament to her determination, and her passion shines brighter than ever in Houston.
