DENVER — The expansion Denver Summit have acquired Canadian international Janine Sonis in a trade with Racing Louisville in exchange for up to US$$160,000 in intraleague transfer funds.

The 31-year-old Sonis, who was set to enter the final year of her Louisville contract, has signed a new deal through the 2028 NWSL season.

The move is a return home to Sonis, who was born in Colorado to parents from Saskatchewan. Sonis, née Beckie, grew up in Highlands Ranch, just outside Denver.

“Returning home to Colorado and joining Denver Summit FC is really special for me,” Sonis said in a statement. “I’m excited to contribute on the field and help build a team that the fans can be proud of. I can’t wait to play in front of a home crowd and be part of the growth of professional soccer in Denver.”

Sonis, who can play a variety of positions from wingback to forward, joined Louisville in August 2024 via trade from the Portland Thorns. She had four goals and six assists in 36 NWSL appearances for Louisville.

On the international front, Sonis has 36 goals and 21 assists in 123 appearances for Canada.

“Janine brings a wealth of professional and international experience to our club,” said Denver GM Curt Johnson. “Her accomplishments at the club and international level, including championship experience and Olympic success, will be a valuable addition as we build our roster and compete in our inaugural season.”

Elected co-captain in 2025, Sonis helped lead Louisville to its first NWSL playoff appearance. Her five assists tied for third-most in the league.

“This move was an incredibly difficult one for us, but we’re happy that Janine will be able to move close to home at this stage of her career,” Louisvile general manager Caitlyn Flores Milby said. “Her contributions to our success last year were immeasurable. She is an incredible player, teammate and leader, and a fantastic person all around. We are sad to see her go, but we wish her all the best in this next stage of her career.”

Sonis won the NWSL title with Portland as well as two FA Cups and two League Cups in England with Manchester City. She also had stints with the Houston Dash and Sky Blue FC in the NWSL after playing collegiate soccer at Texas Tech.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 9, 2026.