A Black History Month Feature | Montréal Roses
FÉLICIA | A BLACK HISTORY MONTH FEATURE
Published on
February 18, 2026
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Her teammates left.
One by one, they took the path to American universities. The scholarships, the NCAA programs, the opportunities. The logical route for a Quebec player who wants to reach the highest level. Félicia Roy watched them go.
She chose to stay.
“A lot of my teammates went to the United States to continue their education and take advantage of the opportunities there, which is really incredible. But I felt the need to stay here, to continue my studies in Montreal.”
She had no guarantees. The CF Montreal Academy’s women’s program stopped at U-18. No professional team above it. No pathway to the top level like the boys had.
And then the Roses arrived.
“It happened at the perfect moment. It was a time when I least expected it, a moment of doubt, but I never gave up. I always followed what I felt in my heart.”
Félicia Roy is 19 years old. She’s one of the youngest players with the Roses. And she plays at home, in front of her family, because she trusted her instincts when everything told her to leave.
Two Cultures
She was born to a Haitian mother and a Québécois father. Moïka, from Dessalines, Haiti. François, from Montreal. Félicia grew up in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville.
“I grew up with two very strong cultures that shaped me a lot. These two cultures gave me balance: the passion and fighting spirit of Haiti, combined with the discipline and organization of Quebec.”
At home, Haitian culture came through the language, the music, the time spent with family. Values that imprinted themselves on her: family, resilience, pride in her roots.
“As a person, it taught me to be proud of my roots and open to the world. As a player, it gave me a unique identity: I play with heart, but also with intelligence and discipline.”
Carrying Others
Félicia has never experienced racism.
She says it plainly. In Saint-Bruno, at school, on her teams, she was always welcomed. People saw her as a player. What mattered was her work, her attitude, her performances.
“I grew up in an environment where I felt I belonged, and that allowed me to build confidence and develop at my own pace.”
She knows that luck isn't universal.
“I think everyone should feel they belong in whatever they do. No one should feel different or pushed aside because of their race or origins. We should be united, respect each other, and lift each other up. Sport, like life, should be a place where everyone has a chance and can pursue their dreams without obstacles tied to who they are.”
“I know that some of my loved ones have experienced racism and very difficult moments. Even though I didn’t experience it directly, I’m aware that it exists and that it’s part of their history. I carry that in my heart. I know they fought to become the people they are today. I know it wasn’t easy for them. Their stories and their strength are part of me too. It helps me stay grateful, stay proud of my roots, and never forget where I come from.”
The Brother
Before Félicia, there was Zachary.
Her older brother by three years. The first to sign a professional contract, at 18, with Atlético Ottawa. For three years, Félicia watched him live what she hoped to live one day. She learned from afar, then up close, when they trained together.
“Watching him achieve his dream inspired me so much and allowed me to learn from his experiences. Thanks to him, I had some idea of what to expect in the professional world, and I was able to mature before I even signed my first contract.”
In 2022, they made headlines together. He was signing his pro contract. She was winning bronze with Canada at the CONCACAF U-17 Championship, at 16.
“We support each other a lot. He’s always there to advise me and encourage me. His support really helped me become the player I am today.”
“I would do anything to make him proud.”
Home
Playing in Montreal wasn’t the backup plan. It was the dream.
“Playing here means so much to me. I’d say it’s mostly pride. I never gave up, I stayed disciplined, and I listened to my heart. And being able to play in front of my family and friends, in Montreal, is truly a dream come true.”
She’s thankful for what she has. Most Canadian players have to move abroad to play at the highest level. She goes home after matches. Her parents are in the stands.
“I know a lot of Canadian players would love to have this opportunity to play at home, in front of their loved ones. So I’m very grateful and I’m enjoying every moment.”
The Northern Super League didn’t exist two years ago. Today, it’s changing lives.
To Young Girls
She’s 19. She’s still becoming who she’ll be. But she already has a message for those who dream.
“What I would tell young girls who dream of going pro is, first of all, to follow what you truly love. Don’t force yourself to do something just because others are doing it or because you think it’s the path to take. Don’t compare yourself to others either, because everyone has their own journey and their own pace.”
She’s lived through the moments of doubt. The lows. The uncertainty of not knowing if the path she chose led anywhere.
“It’s normal to have difficult moments, lows, or doubts. But you have to keep your head up and keep moving forward. And above all, you have to believe in yourself. Anything is possible for those who believe and work to achieve their dreams.”
She wants them to hold onto one thing.
“I want young girls to know that they have the right to dream big, to fight for their goals, and that they can make it if they put in the work and believe in themselves.”
Félicia Roy made the bet to stay. To trust her instincts when the path didn’t exist yet. To carry two cultures, her brother’s example, and the stories of those who fought before her.
She plays with heart. She plays with intelligence and discipline. She plays home.
The bet paid off.
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About This Series
This feature is part of the Montréal Roses’ Black History Month series, celebrating the Black players who make our club what it is. Throughout February, we will publish in-depth profiles of our athletes to honour the full breadth of who they are : their journeys, their values, their personalities, and their perspectives. These are stories of excellence, resilience, and community. We are proud to share them.