Tides full-back Julianne Vallerand named the Northern Super League's Defender of the Year
Halifax Tides full-back Julianne Vallerand was named the Northern Super League's Defender of the Year this week, highlighting her versatile skills on and off the ball.
Vallerand, 25, had an excellent season in Halifax as she was an integral part of a defence which conceded just 24 goals across 25 matches., tying them for the least amount of goals conceded in the NSL with AFC Toronto. Most often deployed as a right-back, the electric Montréal-born defender played nearly every minute of Halifax's season and was a favourite of head coach Stephen Hart.
She also proved a threat in possession, including on set pieces, tallying five goals and three assists. Given Halifax's struggles offensively — they scored a league-worst 24 goals — Vallerand proved a bright spot in an otherwise anemic attack.
"Being recognized for (Defender) of the Year means everything to me," she said in a video released by the league.
"You work almost your whole life for things like this. Especially being a defensive player, you don't get recognized all the time. It's easier to see strikers that score goals. I think at the end of the day, being recognized for something like this, as a defender, means a lot."
Vallerand added she was happy to have been recognized playing her brand of football.
"Growing up, I was always an attacking player. Played striker, played winger, until later on I was converted into a full-back. I love attacking so having five goals this season kind of shows, yeah, this is who I am as a full-back," she said.
The Tides signed Vallerand part-way through 2025. She made an immediate impact, making 12 appearances.
However, her contract status is unknown (the NSL doesn't disclose contract details) heading into a busy off-season for the Tides, who find themselves in search of both a head coach and sporting director.
But you can bet the club will want to hold onto a player who brought energy on both sides of the ball.
Cover Photo Credit: Northern Super League
