Back
Leading from the back: Nicole Mailloux anchors FC Berlin
Woodbridge Strikers defender embraces her leadership role with FC Berlin while helping guide the club’s growing presence in the MASL-W.
Nicole Mailloux is a defender with a long background in competitive soccer in Ontario and the US collegiate system. She is currently known for two main roles: playing with the Woodbridge Strikers and serving as a captain for FC Berlin in the Major Arena Soccer League Women.
Born in Mississauga, ON, Nicole attended Meadowvale Secondary School and played NCAA Division I soccer at West Virginia University, competing in one of the strongest collegiate environments in North America, facing top programs in the NCAA system.
After college, Mailloux continued playing in Ontario’s semi-professional environment, including time with Blue Devils FC and currently with Woodbridge Strikers, a club that competes in the Ontario Premier League (formerly known as League 1), one of the main development leagues that feed players into the Canadian professional system and university programs.
Mailloux is also part of FC Berlin's indoor program, which joined the Major Arena Soccer League Women. She serves as one of the team captains, along with Kristen Bettencourt. She provides stability and organization, leads communication on the field in this fast-paced arena soccer format and brings her experience from outdoor semi-pro and NCAA soccer to a newer team in the league.
As one of the captains of FC Berlin, what does leadership mean to you in a team that brings together players from many different backgrounds and experiences?
It’s a privilege to be able to captain a team with so many great players. Everyone comes to the team with their own knowledge and past experiences. We have team players, league MVPs, and league All-Stars, and each brings their own type of leadership. I just try to keep everyone connected and communicate as much as I can on and off the field.
The MASL-W is still growing and gaining attention. What has your experience been like playing indoor soccer at this level, and what excites you most about the future of the league?
It’s such a fast-paced game and exciting to watch. You can be losing 4-0 and then come back to win the game (Detroit). There is nothing like it in Canada or the GTA that allows females to compete at a high level throughout the winter. I’m looking forward to watching the league grow but specifically grow in Canada. It’s also a bonus that all our games are live-streamed via Cloud North.
What do you think defines the identity and style of play for FC Berlin this season?
I would use the words “togetherness” and “wholesome”. We were all past rivals in some capacity (League1, futsal), and after that first week of practices and 2 away games, we were all quickly connected. Every practice is full of laughs, chirps and new lingo, to the point Coach Santi has to tell us to give it a rest. But at the same time, we’re working hard and getting the job done. It’s truly a lovely environment to be a part of, and I’m lucky to call all these women my teammates.