From PEI to a million-dollar opportunity: UPEI’s Lydia Hamill and Juliette Bader join Austin Rise FC in global 7v7 tournament

By Thomas Becker

Two UPEI Women's Soccer players will temporarily trade in their green and white jerseys for a summer challenge under the Carolina sun—and a shot at winning a million dollars.

Midfielders Lydia Hamill and Juliette Bader have been selected to join the Austin Rise FC soccer organization at The Soccer Tournament (TST), a high stakes 7v7 world championship that will take place at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina from June 4–9. The event draws elite players from around the world who compete in a winner-takes-all prize of $1 million.

The opportunity marks a rare and exciting leap for the two student-athletes from Prince Edward Island and a proud moment for the UPEI Women's Soccer program.

"When Jed (Davies) came in back in January, he told us there would be opportunities if we put in the work," Hamill said. "Since then, the team has been training every day—on squash courts, in the gym, at the field, even in our basements. Everyone bought in and that's become the standard now."

Davies, who has been actively advocating for his players, helped facilitate the Panthers' involvement with Austin Rise FC. Hamill and Bader will suit up alongside three other Canadian players, two of whom just won Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) gold with Canada's women's futsal team.

"It's exciting to be part of this group," Hamill added. "We've been watching clips, studying how top 7v7 teams play, and we've been working on those concepts at UPEI all winter."

The 7v7 format of TST, known for its fast pace and tactical demands, will test and sharpen both Panthers' technical skills and mental agility. It's a challenge they welcome.

"Our quick decision-making and ability to read the game will be key," Hamill said. "This format demands creativity in tight spaces, and we've been building those skills into how we train."

While the million-dollar prize is certainly attention-grabbing, for Bader, the real value lies in what they'll take away from the experience.

"Striving to win a million dollars is fun, but coming away from TST as improved players, ready to help UPEI finally make playoffs for the first time in 11 years is something money can't buy."

For Hamill and Bader, representing UPEI and Prince Edward Island on a global stage isn't just an honour—it's a responsibility.

"Coming from a smaller school and province, it's easy to get overlooked," Hamill said. "We're fighting to change that. I want it to become normal for UPEI players to have these opportunities. We're just the start."

With TST just around the corner, the duo is soaking in every minute and preparing to grow from it.

"I just want to learn everything I can—from the level of play to the professionalism of it all," Bader said. "Meeting new teammates, being in a high-pressure environment, and just being part of something this unique will leave a lasting impact.

The team will be coached by Onua Obasi, a former TST champion with Newtown Pride in 2022. Davies will also be on staff, ensuring that UPEI's fingerprints remain on the experience. They'll train in Des Moines, Iowa before the tournament begins in June.

With their cleats packed and a million bucks on the line, Hamill and Bader are ready to show the world that big things can come from a small island.