West Ham United Ladies are delighted to confirm that Rosie Kmita has become the first player to sign professional terms with the team.
Last season’s Ladies’ captain continues an excellent 2018, having helped the side to win the Goodmove.co.uk Women’s Cup and Women’s Premier League Plate, by putting pen to paper on her first professional deal in football.
“I’m so, so happy to sign professionally with West Ham United Ladies,” Kmita told whufc.com. “I’m extremely ecstatic and grateful for the opportunity to play at the highest level. I don’t think the smile is going to leave my face for a while.
“Since the day I joined West Ham I’ve felt at home. West Ham has been like my second family and to make this jump with this team means the absolute world to me.”
Since the day I joined West Ham I’ve felt at home. West Ham has been like my second family and to make this jump with this team means the absolute world to me.
Rosie Kmita
Kmita, who made 19 appearances for the Irons last season after initially joining in November, scored ten goals for the side.
Ladies general manager and former head coach Karen Ray worked with Kmita last season and is delighted that the pacey forward is making the move to the Women’s Super League with West Ham.
Ray said: “Rosie has proven to be a committed and talented player for the Club, this is thoroughly deserved and I couldn’t be prouder of her. Rosie knows what a big jump this is and I have no doubt she will grab this opportunity and flourish in the professional environment.
Click here to buy your Ladies 2018/19 season ticket now!
“I often speak to her about needing to step out of her comfort zone, a player who wants to be great needs an environment and culture to consistently challenge them.
“Working with Matt every day will provide Rosie and her new teammates a wealth of knowledge and experience from his previous successes. It is rewarding that Matt saw Rosie’s talent during the 2018 season where she led the team as captain.”
For Kmita, the decision to put pen to paper on her first professional deal with the Hammers was one of the easiest of her career, and the forward is eager to get to work on the 2018/19 campaign.
Kmita added: “I always base a lot of my decisions on how I feel, and ever since I got here the feeling I’ve got has been nothing but positive. That’s why I love West Ham.
“It’s just an environment that I know I can thrive in and I can be the best version of me. To be able to be given the opportunity is just amazing. I love the club so much and I know I will run through brick walls for the club.”
Season Tickets for West Ham United Ladies’ first campaign in the FA Women’s Super League are on sale now!
You can follow the Ladies’ journey into the WSL in person from just £15! Follow the link here for more information!