Ahead of the 2024 season, Gintra introduce another signing: American Laney Peabody, 22.
The San Diego centre-back has arrived in Šiauliai and joined training. She will wear number 12.
Moving from sunny California to the currently cooler City of the Sun, Peabody begins a new chapter after graduating in the USA. The athletic defender was among Campbell University's most reliable players. Her university coach highlighted her leadership and competitive mentality in an interview.
The newcomer also emphasised those qualities when describing her style.
"As a centre-back, like a goalkeeper, I can see almost the entire pitch, so I communicate loudly in attack and defence. That helps maintain full concentration. Other strengths are aerial duels and physicality," she explained.
Peabody grew up with three brothers, one a professional baseball player in the USA. Sport was always present in that environment, and she chose football in early childhood.
She welcomed Šiauliai's atmosphere and the team's warm reception.
"My first impression is a welcoming, quiet city with friendly people. There are no traffic jams and distances are short, making travel easy: training is ten minutes away. I look forward to exploring and finding favourite places," said Laney, whose passport name is Elena Ana.
Director Mantas Radavičius welcomed her immediate positive impression on the entire group.
"Results depend not just on tactics and individual ability but how different personalities connect and the dressing-room mood. Our experience shows that. Laney is positive, lively, communicative and motivated. From the first session, she fitted in as though she'd been here before. We'll see how she progresses; it's in her hands," he said, wishing her a smooth adaptation.
L. Peabody turėtų debiutuoti jau šį savaitgalį. Moterų A lygos starte gintrietės namuose egzaminuos lygos debiutantę Vilniaus rajono „TransINVEST“. Rungtynės vyks šeštadienį, kovo 16 dieną 17 val. Gytarių stadione. Kviečiame atvykti į stadioną and palaikyti geltonai juodas.