Janine Sonis Bio
Janine Elizabeth Sonis (née Beckie; born August 20, 1994) is a professional soccer player who plays as a forward or a full-back. Born in the United States, she represents the Canada national team. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, she has built a versatile career across North America and Europe, contributing goals, assists, and leadership at every stop.
After starring at the college level with the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Sonis entered the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) through the 2016 College Draft. She later played in England with Manchester City and has since returned to the NWSL, where she is recognized for her two-way play and trophy-winning pedigree at club and international levels.
Early Life and Background
Born in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, to Canadian parents, Janine Elizabeth Sonis grew up in a household with strong ties to Canada despite her American birthplace. She attended Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, where she played on the varsity soccer team for four years. Her play in high school earned her the 2012 Gatorade Colorado Player of the Year award, a sign of her emerging talent as a young forward.
Beyond the field, Sonis has spoken about her Christian faith, which has remained a steady part of her personal identity throughout her professional journey. Her brother, Drew Beckie, was also a competitive soccer player and has worked in coaching, reinforcing the family’s deep connection to the sport.
Path to Professional Soccer
Sonis continued her development at Texas Tech University, playing for the Texas Tech Red Raiders from 2012 to 2015. She finished her college career as the all-time leading scorer for the women’s program with 57 goals, and in 2014 she was named a first-team All-American. In December 2015, she was honored as Player of the Year by Dallas Soccer News, capping one of the most productive individual tenures in program history.
Her college success translated into a professional opportunity in the 2016 NWSL College Draft, where the Houston Dash selected her eighth overall. That spring, she signed with the Seattle Sounders Women of the USL W-League, gaining additional senior experience before fully transitioning to the NWSL.
Janine Sonis Career
Houston Dash Era (2016–2017)
Janine Elizabeth Sonis began her NWSL career with the Houston Dash after being selected eighth overall in the 2016 College Draft. On April 16, 2016, she scored in her professional debut against the Chicago Red Stars, an immediate signal of her attacking instincts. Her rookie contributions helped establish her as one of the league’s promising young forwards.
Following the 2017 season, Sonis’s time with the Dash came to a close. On January 18, 2018, she was part of a three-team trade that sent her, along with Carli Lloyd, to Sky Blue FC, marking the end of her first professional chapter.
Sky Blue FC and Manchester City (2018–2022)
Sonis made 15 appearances for Sky Blue FC before announcing her departure on August 9, 2018. That same day, her transfer to Manchester City of the Women’s Super League was finalized, beginning a successful European chapter in her career.
In her first season with Manchester City, Sonis scored 8 goals in 15 games and lifted two trophies: the FA Women’s League Cup and the FA Women’s Cup. In the 2019–20 season, she earned her first start in a UEFA Women’s Champions League match and recorded her first hat-trick in the competition. On April 14, 2020, she signed a new contract that kept her at the club through 2022, cementing her place in one of England’s top squads.
Portland Thorns FC Era (2022–2024)
In April 2022, Janine Elizabeth Sonis returned to the NWSL, signing a three-year contract with Portland Thorns FC. Her arrival helped bolster a contending roster, and she was part of the squad that won the 2022 NWSL Championship. The triumph added another major club honor to her résumé.
Her momentum was interrupted in March 2023, when she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a pre-season match, forcing her to miss the entire 2023 season. She returned for the Thorns’ 2024 season opener, scoring two goals in a 4–5 away loss to the Kansas City Current, a strong comeback performance.
Racing Louisville FC Era (2024–2025)
On August 21, 2024, Portland Thorns FC traded Sonis to Racing Louisville FC in exchange for Reilyn Turner. Upon completing the trade, she signed a two-year contract extension with Louisville through the 2026 season. Her first goal for the club came on September 14, 2024, when she scored the winner in a 2–1 victory over Angel City FC.
Denver Summit FC Era (2026–Present)
On January 9, 2026, Sonis was traded to NWSL expansion side Denver Summit FC, returning to her home state of Colorado, and signed a three-year contract. She reunited with head coach Nick Cushing, under whom she had previously played at Manchester City, and said she looked forward to helping build the club’s culture.
Sonis captained Denver in their inaugural league match on March 14, 2026, a 2–1 loss against Bay FC. She provided the assist for the club’s first NWSL goal, scored by Melissa Kössler, before receiving a red card in the 25th minute. Despite the early setback, her leadership role signaled her importance to the expansion project’s foundation.
Playing Style and Strengths
Janine Elizabeth Sonis is known for her versatility, capable of playing as a forward or a full-back on either flank. Her combination of technical finishing, two-way work rate, and set-piece quality allows her to contribute in multiple phases of the game. Coaches have trusted her in high-pressure moments, including penalty shootouts and tournament finals.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Sonis’s signature achievements are her gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and her bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics with Canada. She reached her 100th international appearance on February 19, 2023, in a 2–0 win over Brazil, and has since surpassed 120 senior caps, underscoring her longevity with the national team.
Janine Sonis International Career
Although born in the United States, Janine Elizabeth Sonis represents Canada internationally and has been a fixture of the senior team since her debut in 2014. She has competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics, the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and the 2024 Summer Olympics, contributing goals and assists across major tournaments.
Olympic Highlights
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Sonis scored three goals to help Canada defend their previous bronze-medal finish. Five years later, at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she netted two goals in a 2–1 group-stage victory over Chile before Canada defeated Sweden 3–2 on penalty kicks to claim the gold medal on August 6, 2021, the pinnacle of her international career.
Other International Performances
Sonis represented Canada at the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship, scoring and adding two assists in the team’s opening match of the tournament. Canada reached the final but fell 1–0 to the United States, earning silver. She also helped Canada win the 2025 Pinatar Cup and featured in the 2026 SheBelieves Cup, scoring from a free kick against Colombia and converting in a penalty shootout against Argentina.
Janine Sonis Personal Life
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Janine Elizabeth Sonis was raised in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, with Canadian parents who influenced her decision to represent Canada internationally. Her brother, Drew Beckie, played soccer competitively and currently serves as an assistant coach for Atlético Ottawa in the Canadian Premier League. The Beckie family also holds ownership ties in Canadian soccer, as Janine is a co-owner of League1 Ontario club Simcoe County Rovers FC.
Personal Life
In September 2023, Sonis announced her engagement to Ethan Sonis, and the couple married in December 2024. She is a Christian and has often spoken about the role of faith in her life and career. She maintains a strong presence on social media, where she connects with fans and shares updates from her professional journey.
2025 Season Performance
Janine Elizabeth Sonis entered the 2025 NWSL season with Racing Louisville FC after signing a contract extension that runs through 2026. She continued to feature prominently for the club, contributing goals and leadership as Louisville pushed for a playoff position. Her experience from Manchester City and Portland translated into a stabilizing presence in the locker room.
Internationally, Sonis added another trophy to her résumé by winning the 2025 Pinatar Cup with Canada in February 2025. Her form and durability throughout the year kept her firmly in the national-team picture heading into 2026.
By the end of 2025, Sonis had positioned herself for a new chapter closer to home, paving the way for her January 2026 trade to expansion side Denver Summit FC. With her contract secured through 2028 in Denver, her outlook centers on helping build a new club while continuing to compete at the highest level of North American soccer.
