Photo courtesy of Canada Soccer

By Sandra Prusina

Marie-Eve Nault has an extensive resume with Canada Soccer: an Olympic bronze medal, CONCACAF champion, Cyprus Cup champion and over 50 international appearances.

The defender played a critical role at the Olympics last summer when the Canadian backline was decimated by injuries. She went to London as an alternate, but with Emily Zurrer, Robyn Gayle and Candace Chapman all hurt, Nault stepped in seamlessly and played big minutes in some tense matches.

However, when 2013 rolled around, Canadian head coach John Herdman told Nault he’d be looking for different, younger options at the left-back position. The 31-year-old from Quebec wasn’t ready to hang up her boots and took her talents elsewhere. That’s how she ended up in Sweden playing for KIF Orebro.

“It’s been amazing,” she said. “They’ve been in the league for over 10 years. We’re treated really well. Just living in the Swedish culture has been an adjustment, but the girls have been welcoming.”

She admits she’s tried learning Swedish, albeit unsuccessfully. “It’s not similar to French or English,” she said with a laugh. Luckily, much of the team is made up of international players, making English the language of choice.

She also wasn’t the only Canadian on Orebro this past season. Goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe was a member of the squad, who finished in the middle of the Damallsvenskan standings with a 7-8-7 record.

Nault played in 21 of their 22 matches, while also suiting up in additional Swedish Cup and Eksjohus-Cup games.

“I really enjoyed my first year there,” Nault said. “I wanted to go back to playing and just being able to live as a professional. It was a dream come true. I knew I had to take care of my body. I kept working hard in the gym and kept working hard on the pitch. I guess I did something right.”

Canadian coach Herdman acknowledged her hard work overseas, calling her to October’s national camp.

“It kind of came to a surprise to me that I got called,” she explained. “It’s always exciting when you’re invited to represent your country. It’s always an honor. I came into camp without any expectations and I just wanted to get back in the mix.”

On October 30th, Nault made her 54th appearance for Canada as part of the starting 11 facing Korea Republic in Edmonton. She looked poised on the left side, like she’d never been away from the team.

“It was good to be back,” she said. “Of course, I was a little nervous for my first game back in over a year. As soon as I was able to touch the ball, get a couple of passes in, the nerves went away and I just felt the instinct.”

The fact that Canada’s hosting the 2015 Women’s World Cup is a reason why Nault wants to keep playing and a return to Sweden could be in the cards.

“I’d love to go back,” Nault said. “We’re in negotiations for a contract and I’m hoping to go back next season.”

Once her soccer career wraps up, she hopes to do a little bit of coaching and despite her shy personality, broadcasting is not out of the question. She’s enjoyed giving motivational talks to students and organizations across Quebec.

“I’ve discovered another side of me that I didn’t know before.”

Follow Marie-Eve on Twitter: @menault20