Ottawa Charge head coach Carla MacLeod is taking an indefinite leave to focus on her battle with breast cancer, the team announced Monday. MacLeod, diagnosed in November 2025, remains in good spirits and has the organization's full support during her health journey.

Despite her diagnosis, MacLeod continued coaching while traveling to Alberta for treatments, missing only one Charge game. She also coached Czechia's national team at the Milan Cortina Olympics, scheduling radiation treatments to not interfere with her Olympic duties. The 43-year-old Olympic gold medalist maintained her upbeat approach throughout.

The Charge sit at 13-11-1 with five games remaining, currently fifth in a tight race for the league's final playoff berth. Assistant coach Haley Irwin takes over as interim head coach during MacLeod's absence. MacLeod requested privacy as she focuses on her recovery.