Star Canadian attacker Danielle Steer will add further potency to Western United’s Liberty A-League Women attack for the remainder of the 2022/23 season.
Steer has been a dominant force for the University of British Columbia totaling 71 combined goals and assists in five years, breaking the Canada West conference record which previously stood at 65.
The 2022 Canada West Women’s Soccer Player of the Year said she is delighted to now begin her professional journey in Australia.
“I’m very excited to be starting my professional career at Western United. Not only am I walking into a team that is already in great form on the field, off the field the girls have created a positive and welcoming environment that I’m proud to now be part of,” she said.
“I’m a hard-working player and as an attacker, I’m hoping to create a dangerous presence up front and around the goal.”
Steer said she was eager to explore international opportunities and was excited by the Liberty A-League with there not yet being a professional league in Canada.
“The opportunity within the A-League came about before I even had the chance to see what the level is like. Now that I’m here, the type of play is more elevated than I was used to while at university,” she said.
“I knew it would be challenging but I believe the A-League will provide great opportunities to develop as a player.”
Western United Head Coach Mark Torcaso said Steer’s quality was clear and he believes she will have a strong impact on the group from the outset.
“I’m really pleased to be able to bring Dani into our team and I’m confident that she will add a great deal to our attack,” he said.
“We’ve seen her numbers and her quality throughout her college career and I’m really excited to see her bring that into our side now. I’m looking forward to seeing her bring her goals and assists into our league.
“Putting her alongside our brilliant attacking options adds to our significant depth up front and it’s comforting to know that we have so many weapons capable of causing danger to the opposition.”
While this will be Steer’s first venture into Australian football, she is no stranger to Australia and Australian sports culture – Steer’s mother is born and bred in Sydney and is the niece of swimming legend and four-time Olympic gold medalist Dawn Fraser.
The 23-year-old will fit right into United’s attack, which currently ranks equal second in the Liberty A-League, and will be available leading into a busy period of matches in the new year.
