The end of another era.

Northern Super League side Ottawa Rapid will be in search of a new head coach following the end of the 2026 season after inaugural head coach Katrine Pedersen announced that she would be returning to her native Denmark to be closer to family, in a video released on team socials on Friday.

“I’ve decided that after this season, I will be leaving Ottawa Rapid FC,” opened Pedersen.

“(It’s) not an easy decision, but it’s a decision based on my family life and personal life. I need to be closer to family in the next period of my life,” she added.

Pedersen was unveiled as Ottawa Rapid head coach in October 2024, and becomes the third inaugural head coach to depart the NSL — assuming no other moves are announced before the end of the season.

Halifax Tides manager Lewis Page was re-assigned to academy director in June 2025 after six losses in the club’s first eight games. Lydia Bedford left the Calgary Wild in March 2026 to become the head coach of England’s women’s U-23s.

“I leave a team that I really, really enjoy coaching and that I know have a very, very high ceiling, so not a footballing decision, but a personal decision,” Pedersen continued.

Courtesy: Shaun McLeod/Canadian Soccer Daily

Under Pedersen, the Rapid have amassed a record of 20 wins, 8 draws, and 11 losses from 39 matches.

They finished runners-up to AFC Toronto in the 2025 regular season table, tied on points but with a superior head-to-head record against the Vancouver Rise. The Rise later ended Ottawa’s season, beating the Rapid, 5-4 on penalties, after their two-legged semifinal ended 3-3 on aggregate.

In 2026, the Rapid have taken another step forward, winning nine of their first 12 games this season. They lead the league by four points, with a newfound level of consistency compared to 2025.

“I think the important thing to say is that nothing has changed. This is an end of season announcement that comes early (but) I think clarity is good. We still have a lot of ambitions, the same goals and ambitions,” said Pedersen.

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Courtesy: Ottawa Rapid FC

“There are many moments (to remember). Playing in front of nearly 8,000 Ottawa supporters, people from Ottawa who finally had a women’s football team. Getting that win (and) that good start to the inaugural season. The way we have built something that didn’t exist 18 months ago, I think that is very special to me.”

“I think I want to just say, thank you. Playing at TD Place is very special … every time I step onto the field and I turn around and see all the fans in the stands, it’s amazing. So, thank you.”

Ottawa Rapid continue their fight for the NSL Supporters’ Shield on Wednesday at McMahon Stadium against a Calgary Wild team still yet to win their first game of the season.