Young defender Kadeisha Buchanan, who put her stamp on the world stage in 2015, has been named Canadian women's soccer player of the year.
The 20-year-old centre back from Brampton, Ont., was chosen in voting by Canadian media and coaches. The male player of the year will be announced Friday.
"Kadeisha has had an incredible year, shining brightly on the world's biggest stage at the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 with millions of Canadians watching," Victor Montagliani, president of the Canada Soccer Association, said in a statement. "Still only 20 years old, she will be a leader for Canada at the international level for years to come."
Forward/fullback Josee Belanger was second, followed by Canadian captain/forward Christine Sinclair, goalkeeper Erin McLeod and defender Sophie Schmidt. In all, 10 women received votes.
Buchanan was Canada's best player at the Women's World Cup on home soil this summer.
She was the lone Canadian named to the tournament's all-star team and won the Hyundai Young Player Award, for players born after Jan. 1, 1995.
FIFA said Buchanan, then 19, "demonstrated technical excellence and experience that belie her age."
Buchanan was also shortlisted for world female player of the year, the lone centre back in the 10-woman list. And the West Virginia University defender is one of three finalists for the MAC Hermann Award as the top NCAA women's soccer player.
She helped the Mountaineers reach the Elite Eight of the College Cup.
Buchanan is currently with Canada at an international tournament in Brazil.
She is the seventh different female player to win the award since 1994.
The player of the year award is sponsored by BMO.
