Kaela Hansen

Kaela Danielle Mercado Hansen (born April 13, 2000) is a Canadian professional soccer who plays for Vancouver Rise FC in the Northern Super League.

Early life Hansen began playing youth soccer at age five with Burnaby Metro Select SC. She later joined Cliff Avenue United FC, Burnaby Girls SC, and Mountain United. She then joined the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite. She was named the Whitecaps FC Youth Player of the Month for July 2016. Kaela attended Burnaby Central Secondary School.

College career In 2018, Hansen began attending the University of Kansas, where she played for the women's soccer team. In 2019, she won the Big 12 Conference title with the team. She earned Academic All-Big 12 honours four times (2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022) during her time at Kansas. Over her five seasons, she started every match for the team, finishing as the program's all-timer leader in career starts (98) and minutes played (8302).

In 2023, Hansen signed with ŽFK Spartak Subotica of the Serbian Women's Super League. On May 14, 2023, she scored her first pro goal in a match against ŽFK Sloga Zemun. With the club, she won the league title as well as the league cup.

In January 2024, she signed with Finnish club KuPs in the Kansallinen Liiga.

In December 2024, she signed with Northern Super League club AFC Toronto, ahead of the inaugural season in 2025. She debuted in the club's first ever match against Montreal Roses FC. On September 13, 2025, she scored her first goal, in a 7-0 victory over Vancouver Rise FC.

In August 2026, she transferred to fellow Nothern Super League club Vancouver Rise FC.

International career In July 2016, Hansen was called up to the Canada U17 for the first time for a tournament in China, where she appeared in all three matches.

Career statistics

Honours ŽFK Spartak Subotica Serbian SuperLiga: 2022–23 Serbian Women's Cup: 2022–23