Gintra of Šiauliai are nearing the completion of their squad for the new season. The Lithuanian champions have signed 27-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper Alla Herasymchuk until the end of 2026. She will wear number 81.
Šiauliai is not unfamiliar to her. Last summer she visited with her then club, Vorskla Poltava, for UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying. Gintra and the Ukrainian champions met in the qualifying final, which the Ukrainians won.
The athletic 181 cm goalkeeper is known for her reflexes, reliable aerial play and confident command of the team.
A. Herasymchuk began playing in childhood and progressed steadily through youth football to the professional level. She has represented several clubs, most recently Vorskla. She has also played for Ukraine's U17 and U19 teams and received call-ups to the senior women's national side.
'I began playing as a little girl and have tried to improve and gain experience at every stage. My strengths are reflexes and playing with the ball. I promise to give everything in every match and do all I can for the team's success,' Gintra's new goalkeeper said.
Before signing, she also spoke with the players: 'I talked to several teammates, particularly Ukrainian Kristina Pereviznyk, who already plays here. That reinforced my decision to join a club with such a rich history.'
Club Director Mantas Radavičius welcomed the signing, describing Alla as the safest choice in the goalkeeping market.
'Alla is an experienced goalkeeper with strong physical attributes, consistency and reliable aerial play. She has already competed at a high level, so we believe her experience and composure will bring confidence and quality. We believe in her abilities and potential; now it is time to work and prepare for the challenges ahead.'
Gintra's new signing could debut this Sunday in their first official match of the season, against RFS of Riga in the Baltic League. The game takes place in Panevėžys's indoor arena, with coverage from 19:30 on the futbolas.tv platform.
