Preparing for the most important stage of the season, with UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying and crucial Baltic League and Lithuanian Women's A League matches ahead, Gintra of Šiauliai continue to strengthen their squad. The Lithuanian champions have signed 21-year-old American defender Makeila Yancey.
Gintra will be her first European club. She recently graduated from California's Stanislaus State University, where she represented and captained the women's team in college football. Her strong performances caught the attention of an experienced agent, who was confident she would quickly find a club in Europe.
The newcomer says the Lithuanian champions' ambitious philosophy persuaded her to join.
'I value the club's stability, history and ability to sustain a winning culture and high ambitions for so long. I wanted to join an environment where I could demand more of myself every day. I believe this is the right place for me as a player and really want to help the team. My first impressions are excellent: my teammates welcomed me warmly straight away, so I can focus on the main responsibilities the coaching staff have set for me,' M. Yancey said.
Able to play centrally or at full-back, she identifies determination, reliability and building attacks as her strengths.
'I am a tenacious, reliable defender. Winning duels, fighting for every ball and giving everything on the pitch matter to me. I also enjoy helping to build attacks, maintaining possession and enabling a smooth transition from defence to attack,' the newcomer explained.
Club Director Mantas Radavičius said another defensive addition had been a priority ahead of the European challenge.
'Makeila is young but highly motivated, with leadership qualities and a strong character. She has already captained her university team, and that experience is always valuable. We believe her determination, disciplined play and desire to improve will strengthen our defence ahead of UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying,' M. Radavičius said.
She will wear number two at Gintra. She revealed that it has no particular personal significance: her favourite number, 22, was already taken, so she chose the closest alternative.
The UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying tournament in Køge, Denmark, takes place on 5–8 August. The draw placed Šiauliai's women's team with Scottish champions Hearts of Edinburgh, Danish champions HB Køge and the team progressing from Group 3 of the first qualifying round. Four teams are competing for that place, including Latvian champions Riga FC, who have already reached their first-round qualifying final.
Gintra face Hearts in the qualifying semi-final, while HB Køge meet the team progressing from the first qualifying round in the other semi-final.
