January 30, 2025...AFC Toronto signs California Midfielder Colby Barnett (from AFC Toronto news release)
AFC Toronto Signs Californian Midfielder Colby Barnett
NCAA star declined National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) opportunities to sign for Toronto
Toronto, ON (January 30, 2025) - AFC Toronto announced today the signing of former United
States Youth National Team member and Santa Clara University star, Colby Barnett. Originally
from Los Alamitos, California, the 21-year-old committed her future to AFC Toronto over several
other professional opportunities in the United States.
Image: Colby Barnett poses during a media session for Santa Clara University.
Credit: Image provided by player.
During her college career at Santa Clara University, Barnett was a pivotal player for the
Broncos. Known for her creativity and consistency, her standout performances earned her
multiple accolades, solidifying her reputation as one of the top midfielders at the NCAA Division
I level. This includes being named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List in 2024, an award
recognizing the top national player of the year.
“Colby is someone we were tracking for some time after watching Santa Clara play in San
Francisco in September. We were immediately and thoroughly impressed with her quality,” said
Billy Wilson, AFC Toronto Sporting Director. “She had interest from National Women’s Soccer
League clubs, but she’s coming to Canada to be part of our project. We couldn’t be more
excited.”
“As a player, she has a huge personality on the field, and I think our supporters will love her
character. She’s very tenacious with a sweet left foot and is comfortable attacking outside in 1-
v-1 moments or inside to combine. These are qualities that we look for in wide players and we
feel Colby has the tools to be a big contributor in both attacking and defending moments.”
For Barnett, the opportunity to join AFC Toronto represents a thrilling new chapter in her career.
“The entire project at AFC Toronto was extremely enticing to me, and I’m excited to begin this
next chapter in Canada,” she said. “When I met with Billy and [head coach] Marko, they made it
clear they wanted me to develop under their care and really convinced me that this club was the
best fit for my goals. I feel very blessed to be part of a history-making inaugural season in
Canada, and I can’t wait to inspire our supporters and young athletes in Toronto.”
Fans can look forward to watching Barnett in action this April as the Northern Super League
kicks off its highly anticipated inaugural season. AFC Toronto will continue to announce
additional player signings in the near future.
Additional photos:
...
Colby Barnett poses during a media session for Santa Clara University.
Credit: Image provided by player
Colby Barnett carries the ball forward on the pitch during a game for Santa Clara
University. Credit: Image provided by player.
...
Colby Barnett evades a slide tackle from an opposition player during a game for
Santa Clara University. Credit: Image provided by player.
Colby Barnett pictured at a training sessions during a U-15 United States Women’s
National Team camp. Credit: Image provided by player
To keep up with AFC Toronto’s exciting updates, register for the club newsletter and follow AFC
Toronto on Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and TikTok.
About AFC Toronto
AFC Toronto is a founding club in the new Canadian women's professional soccer league, the
Northern Super League. The club is gearing up to deliver a top-tier experience for players, staff,
and supporters in spring 2025. AFC Toronto is committed to uniting the community and inspiring
young women and girls to lead, develop, and excel. The club’s purpose is to not just build a
football club but to also create a platform for girls and women to achieve greatness on their
terms.
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