Jordyn Listro’s Journey: From Medical Sales to Soccer Stardom

Jordyn Listro’s athletic career has taken her from the world of medical sales to representing Canada on the soccer field. The Toronto-born midfielder has navigated numerous challenges, including a significant hiatus from professional soccer, to now captaining Tampa Bay Sun FC, which clinched the inaugural USL Gainbridge Super League championship in June 2023.

After starting her professional journey in Spain, Listro played in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) for teams such as the Orlando Pride and Kansas City. She made two appearances for the Canadian national team, debuting in a 1-0 victory against Argentina and later participating in a 2-0 defeat to Brazil during the SheBelieves Cup in February 2021.

Overcoming Challenges and Returning to Soccer

Listro’s path has not been without obstacles. Following a difficult period in 2018-2019 marked by a lack of professional opportunities, she took a break from soccer. “I didn’t want to, at all,” Listro shared. “I always knew that I wanted to be a professional soccer player for as long as I can be, but there were no opportunities that existed. It was either you live abroad or you don’t play.”

Despite earning a degree in health sciences from the University of South Florida, Listro found herself selling medical devices, including implants for anterior cruciate ligament and rotator cuff surgeries. This chapter of her life was defined by hard work rather than passion.

A turning point came when a surgeon offered her a spot on a five-a-side winter league team. “Every week I would go play with the surgeons,” she recalled, laughing. This rekindled her love for the sport and prompted her to reach out to her former college coach. The connection led to an opportunity with the Orlando Pride, contingent on her attending an open tryout. “I knew that was probably my only chance of getting back to playing soccer in the U.S. So I gave it everything I could.”

Her determination paid off, as she joined the Pride on a short-term contract for the 2020 Fall Series, which was adapted due to the pandemic. In January 2021, she secured a one-year contract with an option for a second year.

Reflecting on Achievements and Future Aspirations

Listro’s journey has been marked by significant learning experiences. After being traded to Kansas City in March 2021 and missing the Tokyo Olympic roster, she rejoined the Orlando Pride in May 2022. By the end of the 2023 season, however, the club chose not to renew her contract.

“I’ve been able to play with my idols at Orlando, and I had a really great time playing in the NWSL,” Listro stated. “I’ve jumped around a couple of teams, but I’ve loved playing professionally and I want to continue to do so for as long as I can. And hopefully, get back on the national team.”

While Listro has made Tampa her second home, she still holds a desire to play in front of her family and friends in Canada. “Wearing a Toronto jersey, for sure, that’s something that would excite me,” she expressed.

Her early soccer journey included representing Canada at the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan, sharing the field with notable players such as Kailen Sheridan and Kadeisha Buchanan. Following her successful collegiate career at South Florida, where she set a school record with 82 appearances, Listro faced the challenge of entering the NWSL draft but went undrafted.

She signed with UD Tenerife in Spain in June 2017, yet the experience was difficult due to the language barrier and distance from home. Listro returned to North America after six months, taking a break from soccer until her resurgence in the sport through local leagues.

Now, at 30, her journey continues to inspire others. With a renewed focus on her career and hopes for future national team opportunities, Listro embodies the resilience needed to thrive in professional sports.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on January 7, 2026.