LeiLanni Nesbeth has expressed her joy after officially signing with National Women’s Soccer League outfit Chicago Red Stars.

The club announced on Wednesday that the Bermudian midfielder has agreed to the terms of a three-year deal, which will expire at the end of the 2026 season.

“I’m so excited to officially join the team and be ready for the season ahead,” Nesbeth told the club’s website.

“I’m looking forward to playing in front of the fans at SeatGeek and having some fun.”

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

Nesbeth was the first non-American selected in the draft with the tenth overall pick and was completely surprised to have been picked by the Red Stars having not held any discussions with the club prior 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,” she told The Royal Gazette in an interview at the time.

“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.”

Chicago Red Stars general manager Richard Feuz is delighted to have acquired Nesbeth’s services for the next three years.

“LeiLanni brings a wealth of experience that will undoubtedly help her succeed here in the way she has with Bermuda and in college,” he said.

“We are very happy to welcome LeiLanni to the Red Stars and look forward to seeing her develop her game to this next level in her career.”

The Red Stars will kick off the 2024 NWSL season on March 16 when they take on the Utah Royals in Sandy, Utah, before hosting Seattle reign FC in their season home opener at SeatGeek Stadium on March 23.

Nesbeth moves to the professional game after helping Florida State University to win the NCAA National Championship in 2021 and 2023.

In addition to her 15 goals and 14 assists in 89 appearances, Nesbeth’s accolades for her school also earned her spots on the 2023 NCAA Tournament All-Tournament Team and the ACC All-Conference Second Team in 2022 and 2023.

She has also represented Bermuda at under-17, under-20 and senior levels.

Nesbeth scored a brace on her senior national debut in February 2022 and scored an international hat-trick two months later.