Noelle Henning: “Pressure is a privilege”
As FIFA World Cup matches take place in Canada, Milton-born Noelle Henning answers some key questions about her recent CANW20 experience.
After growing up right here in Milton, Henning has starred for Canada across three different age groups – U15, U17, and U20 – and she has amassed more than 2,200 minutes on the international stage.
She also played a big part in Canada’s Concacaf Women’s U20 Championship title last year, winning the tournament’s Golden Glove award and being named in the Best XI.
Henning was called up to April’s CANW20 camp in Costa Rica, but she’s also knocking on the door to the senior team – as evidenced by Casey Stoney selecting her for the women’s international series last summer.
The goalkeeper is an experienced winner (alongside fellow SFC player Jadea Collin) having starred for NDC Ontario in the Ontario Premier League from 2022 to 2024, and she also represented North Toronto last year. This campaign with Scrosoppi marks her fifth season in the Pro-Am level.
How has playing in the OPL equipped you for the CANW20 environment?
New teammates, different tactical approaches, and various opponents have increased my adaptability and knowledge of the game.
What did you do at the recent CANW20 camp?
Training on the field, weightlifting, one-on-one meetings, team meetings, positional meetings, reviewing film, recovery and mobility sessions, playing quality opponents, calling friends and family, and hanging out with teammates.
What are your biggest takeaways from the CANW20 camp, and how will those learnings help you moving forward?
Know your role and take accountability for it. This will allow me to better study my position and become a reliable individual on future teams. Pressure is a privilege – playing top-tier opposition comes with responsibility, so own it.
Looking back to the 2025 Concacaf Women's U20 Championship, what are the moments that have stayed with you?
People doubted our ability to play the USA, therefore it was an incredible feeling to beat them and move on to the finals. Winning goalkeeper of the tournament was a personal goal of mine.
Also, hugging my teammates after winning the tournament; many of my teammates are close friends, so it was really special to see how far we’ve grown as a team and as individuals.
How proud are you of your soccer achievements so far, and what are your upcoming goals?
I’m super proud. I’ve come very far and there’s so much to learn and experience from this point on. It’s important to surround yourself with good people and stay present to fully appreciate your achievements.
[I want] to win the U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup and get another call-up to the CANWNT. Additionally, I want to win the Big 10 Conference and Tournament with Michigan State when I get back to school. In terms of off the field, I would like to maintain high grades and engage in different hobbies.
What’s your message to younger players aspiring to play for their national team?
Be intentional in your training, habits, and actions. When you put purpose toward what you do, you’ll have an internal drive that no one can take from you.
And lastly, why should girls get into soccer?
Playing soccer is incredibly empowering, especially for girls and women. Through soccer, you build relationships, learn critical life skills, and enjoy the beautiful game with other upcoming stars.













