Ahead of Champions League qualifying in Šiauliai on 6–9 September, Gintra strengthen their squad with Canadian midfielder Seina Kashima, 27, who will wear number 9.
A dual citizen of Japanese heritage, Kashima was born and raised in Canada. Short but strongly built, she admires Lionel Messi, and her style features direct runs, excellent control, explosive strength and precise passing.
She discovered football aged five when her older brothers took her to training. She developed through Vancouver Whitecaps' girls' team until adulthood, where her talent emerged, before continuing at university.
At Trinity Western University Spartans, she flourished as a leader and prolific assist provider. Excellent college seasons attracted Canada's Unity FC, where she played successfully in recent years.
S. Kashima nekantrauja debiutuoti UEFA Čempionių lygoje
After Gintra's invitation, she quickly decided to travel across the world. She wanted overseas experience and to fulfil a long-held dream of playing in the Champions League.
On arriving, the attacking midfielder wanted to meet her teammates and begin training immediately. Asked about Japan, she spoke Japanese and said it matters as much to her as Canada.
"I value both my citizenships equally. I speak Japanese fluently and am a certified teacher, teaching introductory subjects to young pupils. I always wanted to play abroad, and finally the circumstances allowed it," she said.
"Seina offers exceptional speed, dribbling, vision and passing. We hope for more creativity, dynamism and accuracy in attack. She brings considerable Canadian experience, determination and a team-first character, so we hope she'll integrate quickly," said director Mantas Radavičius.
