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SOCCER

Muir humbled by Hall call

GEORGE MYRER THE CHRONICLE HERALD gmyrer@herald.ca @Gmyrer CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Suzanne Muir doesn't consider herself a pioneer in Canadian women's soccer. She also chuckled at the thought of being called a legend in the game.

But modesty aside, the 50-year-old was virtually inducted into Canada Soccer's Hall of Fame on Thursday night.

“It was a bit of a surprise and I have to say it brought back a flood of memories,” said Muir, who now lives in Vancouver. “It's quite an honour and just a privilege to have an opportunity to be a part of the growth of soccer and development and the opportunity to represent your country.”

Soccer Canada announced that Muir was among eight ‘legends' to be recognized for their contributions to the sport on the international stage.

Muir joins Sue Brand, Annie Caron, Carla Chin Baker, Janet Lemieux, Luce Mongrain, Cathy Ross and Sue Simon as inductees in the Class of 2021.

“Canada Soccer congratulates this group of first-class athletes who have been honoured by the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame for their incredible impact on the game at both the national and international levels,” said Dr. Nick Bontis, Canada Soccer President in a news release. “This group features some of the pioneers and champions of women's soccer from our first National Championships and Women's National Team to the FIFA Women's Invitational Tournament in 1988, the first Concacaf Women's Championship in 1991, and our first participation at the FIFA Women's World Cup in 1995.”

Muir said the news was humbling and deferred to the women that came before her in the Canadian program that began 35 years ago as pioneers.

“There were so many pioneers that came before me and moved things forward. I look at is an opportunity to continue to grow the sport as the opportunities were increasing. I feel very grateful to have been a part of that movement. It's so incredible to see where it has gone and what it has become. And what it will continue to be.”

DARTMOUTH ROOTS

Muir was a pioneer of sorts when she became the first Nova Scotian player to be inducted into the Canadian Hall.

When asked about the magnitude of the honour, the Dartmouth native reflected on her roots that played a key role in her rise to the national soccer program.

“I am such a proud Nova Scotian and grateful for the coaching, the players and the teams I was a part of. Coming through there were some really talented people and I was fortunate enough to be there. Playing with them, learning from them and just the experience of growing up with soccer in Nova Scotia gave me a lot of opportunities.

“I think anytime you play for your country you are representing all the people that travelled that path with you.”

Muir was a major player on the City Mazda soccer program that was among Canada's best for several years in the early 1990s. The John Kehoe-coached team captured the Canadian senior

women's championship Jubilee Trophy in 1994.

Muir credits playing with this group for helping her reach the national stage.

“Time sort of gives that gift where you look back and truly it was a life gift to grow up and play with them. There were so many outstanding players and quality people. That team, we grew up together, we maintained lifelong friendships and relationships. Many of us are still in contact these days in group chats.”

CANADIAN

Muir played for the Canadian team from 1992-1999. She played in two World Cups (1995 and 1999) and was a member of the team that won the Concacaf Championship in 1998.

In all, she played 31 games (26 starts) as a lock-down defender for Canada.

Muir scored two goals dur

ing her national-team tenure but admitted she couldn't remember them.

“I probably should (remember) but, no I don't. If you asked John Kehoe, he could probably tell you,” laughed Muir. “He could probably describe in more detail than I ever could. I will have to call him to find out.”

Fortunately, Muir's Soccer Canada bio has that information. On Aug. 28, 1998, in a Concacaf qualifying game in Etobicoke, Ont., she scored against Puerto Rico. She added her second goal two days later against Martinique.

Muir, who is her 26th year with the Vancouver Police Force, loved the challenge of playing for Canada.

“I remember the excitement, being challenged to be a better player,” she said. “I remember my teammates and the experiences you share. It allowed me to see and explore the world at a very young age.”

Muir considers the two World Cup appearances and

winning the Concacaf titles as the highlights of her career.

“When we won the championship on home field in Etobicoke my sisters, nephews and family were on the sideline and that was a memorable moment for me.”

HALL OF FAME MESSAGE

Muir said Soccer Canada was ‘very thoughtful' in the delivery of the Hall of Fame message.

“They had players who had intersected in your career and maybe who you impacted, actually notify you about your induction. It really brought a special kind of uniqueness to it. It was very personalized and very much part of who travelled with and the journey.”

Fellow Hall of Famer Karina Leblanc shared the news with Muir.

“It turned out that I was one of her first roommates when she came to the national team,” said Muir. “The induction was such a surprise, but

what really meant so much to me was Karina sharing the impact I had on her as a person and as she grew. That's the heart of it. It was really fitting and special.”

Muir really has had a Hall of Fame soccer career. Her many awards and achievements at the national, provincial and university level have also earned her inductions into the Nova Scotia Sport and Saint Mary's University Hall of Fames.

While those honours are special, Muir considers the journey and relationships as the real prize.

“This may be an individual award, but I don't see that way. I see it as something that extends to everyone who travelled together with me in the soccer journey. In particular, I go back to back where I started, my roots. The people I grew up with and the people I had an opportunity to play with on so many teams. Just incredible memories. It was an incredible privilege.”

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2021-05-08T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-05-08T07:00:00.0000000Z

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