LeiLanni Nesbeth is “super excited” as she gets set to embark on her dream of becoming a professional footballer.

The 22-year-old was picked in the first round by Chicago Red Stars after they made a deal with the North Carolina Courage at the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League Draft in Anaheim, California, last Friday.

The first non-American selected in the draft with the tenth overall pick, Nesbeth was surprised to have been picked by the Red Stars after not holding any discussions with the club leading up to the big night.

“I hadn’t talked to Chicago prior to the draft like I did with other teams, so it was definitely a surprise and a good one at that,” Nesbeth told The Royal Gazette.

“North Carolina originally had the rights to the tenth overall pick. Chicago paid them for a trade, so that North Carolina received $175,000 in allocation money and Chicago received the tenth pick, so I was chosen by them.

“I am super excited to start my professional career. It’s a dream come true and I couldn’t be more appreciative for Chicago Red Stars for taking a chance on me.”

Nesbeth’s life has been a blur since being drafted and she has held meetings with senior officials at the club to arrange the logistics of her arrival in Chicago.

“Since Friday on the day of the draft, I’ve got to meet with Lorne Donaldson, their new head coach, and got to meet with their assistant general manager Babett Peter, so that was kind of cool,” Nesbeth said.

”We went straight into interviews and pictures and all that sort, so I didn’t have much time to sit down and talk logistics with them, but obviously I got a welcome package to go over what the next couple of weeks look like.”

With her whereabouts for the upcoming season confirmed, the talented midfielder is now chomping at the bit to begin her journey among the paid ranks.

“I am actually heading up on Saturday,” Nesbeth said. “Pre-season starts on Tuesday and then we have medicals and things on Monday.

“So on Saturday I’ll fly up there and meet up with the team and other new draftees and start my journey there.”

Nesbeth is looking forward to helping Chicago Red Stars bounce back from a disappointing campaign last season, in which they finished bottom of the NWSL.

“They’ve just brought in some pretty good players and with Lorne’s experience over the years coaching internationally that should definitely bring a bit of something,” she said.

“They definitely seem determined to get back to where they were in previous years and be a powerhouse in the league. So I am definitely excited to come in and try to help in any way that I possibly can to have some success in the near future.

“Whatever they need me to do, whatever role I need to play to help this team, I am definitely more than willing to do that.

“In regards to personal preference, I think I am definitely finding a home in the No 6 position at holding midfield just because it gives me the opportunity to initiate the attack rather than just be on the end of it.

“I definitely appreciate that as I am able to get on the ball, able to switch the point of attack and also I think I’ve learnt to enjoy defending a lot more. It’s brought out a different mentality in regards to me playing, so I am definitely enjoying the position.”

The multitalented athlete, who believes the NWSL is the best option to develop as a player at this stage of her career, described last week’s draft as an “unforgettable experience”.

“It was definitely unique and I don’t think I’ve ever been more anxious for something in my life,” Nesbeth said.

“But despite the stress, it was the most unforgettable experience in my career so far. Hearing your name being called in a room full of professional coaches and staff and soon-to-be professional players was remarkable. It’s hard to really put into words the feeling and is one of those things you have to see and feel to believe.

“I am so grateful to be able to go and be there in person when my name was called among some of the best college players in the country, and I’m super grateful and excited to start my career as a professional soccer player.”

Nesbeth’s career has soared to dizzying heights over the past several weeks after leading the unbeaten Florida State University to their fourth national title and a third in the past six seasons as the team captain.

“It’s kind of surreal. It’s definitely been a busy, hectic month and some change to say the least, but absolutely unforgettable,” she said.

“It’s been memorable and I am just appreciative of the people who have been around me and helped me to stay level and appreciate the moment and not look too far ahead and get too anxious and concerned about what’s next.

“Just appreciating where I am at, appreciating how college has been and now being able to start my professional career, it’s surreal. It’s definitely exciting and I am looking forward to it.”