LeiLanni Nesbeth has moved a step closer to making her debut in the National Women’s Soccer League after being named in the Chicago Red Stars roster for the 2024 season.

The 22-year-old Bermudian is one of eight midfielders included in the team’s 27-member squad and could potentially make her league debut in the Red Stars season opener away to Utah Royals at America First Field in Sandy, Utah on Saturday.

Nesbeth 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.

She was the first non-American selected in the draft with the tenth overall pick.

“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 told The Royal Gazette in an interview last month.

The Red Stars announced last week that the Bermuda women’s team player 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 Red Stars roster is bolstered by an array of experience and decorated team veterans and Nesbeth is not the only new face set to turn out this weekend, with 2024 NWSL Draft picks Jameese Joseph (15th) Hannah Anderson (31st) and Bea Franklin (41st) also joining the club. Ally Cook and Nádia Gomes have also been recruited as non-rostered invitees.

Cook, who was eligible for the NWSL Draft but not selected, joined the club in pre-season and worked hard to earn a contract with the club.

Gomes rejoins the NWSL after being drafted by the Orlando Pride in 2018. She took time away from the game before restarting her career last season with USL W outfit San Francisco Glens SC, where she earned 2023 USL W National Player of the Year honours after scoring 17 goals in 15 appearances.

Among the returning Red Stars this season are two-times World Cup winner Alyssa Naeher, 2019 World Cup winner Mallory Swanson, two-time NWSL champion Cari Roccaro and 2022 NWSL Best XI Second Team member Tatumn Milazzo.

Other highly decorated new Red Stars include 2021 NWSL champions Sam Staab and Camryn Biegalski, 2022 NWSL champion Natalia Kuikka, and Frauen-Bundesliga winner Maximiliane Rall.

Nesbeth and her felllow team-mates will host Seattle Reign FC in their season home opener at SeatGeek Stadium on March 23.