Kaitlynn Russell: A Hawks legend bids farewell in grand style

By Thiago Neuenschwander 
Humber Athletics Communications

When Kaitlynn Russell donned the navy and gold jersey for the first time during the 2021 OCAA season, perhaps not even she imagined the legacy she would leave behind for Humber women's soccer. Four years later, the forward bids farewell to the college pitch with an impressive collection of titles, records, and memories that will be forever etched in history. More than an exceptional player with an elegant and captivating style, the number nine was a role model on and off the field, leaving her mark among teammates, coaching staff, and fans.

Earlier this month, Kaitlynn played her final tournament for the Hawks, and the result couldn't have been better. She scored one of the goals in a 3-2 victory against the Centennial Colts, securing her second indoor title during her time at Humber. It was the last chapter of a story that began many years before.

Long before shining on the fields, scoring for the Hawks, Russell took her first steps in the sport as a child. Her soccer journey began at five years old, playing on a co-ed team sponsored by Tim Hortons. Inspired by her sister, she grew up pushing her limits and found in the sport not just a pastime but a passion. Her path to the Hawks was marked by years of dedication in school teams and local clubs until she was recruited for Humber College's Kinesiology program.

A campus visit and contact with the coaching staff convinced her that Humber was the perfect place to grow as an athlete and student.

"One of the Humber coaches came to watch one of my games, and after that, I received an invitation to join their tryouts. Once I visited the campus and saw the facilities, I was convinced it was the right fit. The coaches and the program's reputation for developing players really sealed the deal for me," said Russell.

On the field, she quickly drew attention. In her debut season, she was named OCAA Rookie of the Year, a feat never before achieved in the program's history. Her 13 goals that year set the third-highest mark in team history, while her average of 2.17 goals per game surpassed a record that had stood since 1999. Over four seasons, Russell accumulated titles and awards: provincial champion in 2022, two-time indoor champion in 2023 and 2025, two-time All-Canadian, and three-time team MVP, just to name a few.

All these achievements were remarkable to her, but number nine has her most cherished memory.

"One of my favourite moments with the Hawks was winning the 2022 OCAA Provincial Championship. That season was incredibly competitive, and to come out on top with my teammates, after all the hard work we put in, was an unforgettable experience. Being named Championship MVP made it even more special, but the real highlight was celebrating that victory with my team," she said.

But her impact goes beyond numbers and success on the pitch. For head coach Jose Caro, Kaitlynn was an exemplary leader.

"After her first year, it became clear that she had the potential to be the team's next captain. In her second year, she led the team to its first provincial title in a decade," explained the coach. 

As for her playing style, Caro did not hold back praise.

"She is very skilled, quick with the ball, and great at handling one-on-one situations. With a keen eye for the goal, she scored from long range with both feet and helped the team with assists. Her style is very similar to that of American Sophia Smith in how she plays, her speed with the ball, and her finishing ability," Caro added.

However, it is another athlete that Kaitlynn draws inspiration from.

"One of my biggest soccer idols is Neymar. His creativity, skill, and flair on the ball make him one of the most exciting players to watch. I admire the way he takes on defenders with confidence, his ability to change a game in an instant, and his technical excellence.

Beyond his talent, I respect his resilience—he's faced criticism, injuries, and high expectations throughout his career, yet he continues to perform at the highest level. His passion for the game and his ability to bring joy to the pitch inspires me to play with confidence, creativity, and a fearless mindset," she explained.

More Than a Team

Despite the sadness of knowing she will no longer play for the college, Kaitlynn prefers to focus on the positives and does not hesitate to say that the program helped shape her character.

"It's definitely a bittersweet feeling. Wearing the navy and gold has been such a huge part of my journey, and knowing this was my last tournament with the Hawks makes me emotional. I'm grateful for all the incredible memories, the championships, and the lifelong friendships I've built along the way. This program has shaped me into the player and person I am today, and no matter what comes next, I'll always carry that with me," Russell stated.

Her teammates also highlight her vital role. Chantel Spalla, who began as Russell's rival in youth leagues, describes the connection they developed on the field.

"Throughout our time at Humber, Kaitlynn has been an amazing friend and helped me grow as a player. I love her style of play as it complements mine, tiki-taka passes and connecting through understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses. She represented her captain band by always maintaining her composure and calmness on and off the field," she explained. "She is truly deserving of everything she's accomplished over the years and will forever be one of my best friends and a Humber Legend," Chantel added.

Emily Robitaille, a childhood friend and Humber Hawks teammate, emphasized Kaitlynn's ability to inspire others. "She wasn't just an incredible player but also a leader who believed in all of us, even when we didn't believe in ourselves," she asserted. "Looking back, I can easily say that Kaitlynn has been a huge part of my soccer career in terms of encouraging and pushing me to be the best player and person I can be. As the captain of our team, she also had to wear many hats, which may have become stressful at times, but she somehow managed to remain humble, calm, and confident in all situations," Emily added.

Now, with her college career ending, Russell dreams of continuing in professional soccer, keeping an eye on the new Canadian women's soccer league. "My goal is to pursue a professional soccer career, and I'm especially excited about the opportunities within the new Canadian women's professional league (Northern Super League). The growth of women's soccer in Canada is creating new pathways for players, and I want to be part of Canadian history," she revealed.

This week, the first opportunity materialized. Kaitlynn signed a contract with FC London, a team competing in League 1 Ontario. "I'm thrilled to be joining FC London for my first season. It's an exciting opportunity, and I can't wait to get started and contribute to the team's success," Kaitlynn told the team's official profile. As she embarks on new challenges, her legacy with the Hawks is already eternalized. Time will tell what the future holds for Kaitlynn Russell, but for the Humber Hawks, she is already a legend.