“People think I’m crazy, but there we go!” Chenise Austin shrugs. It is not hard to see why though, when one considers her weekly mileage.
The defender’s travel schedule is eyebrow-raising. Having signed for West Ham United in the summer, Austin is still based in Swindon, 120 miles to the west, and drives the two-and-a-half hours each way for every training session and home match.
“It is ludicrous, to be fair” Austin admits. “I’ve known the drive to take me three hours before. It very much depends on traffic.
“To be fair, in daylight the drive is OK. But after training in winter, when it’s dark and cold, it can be a task! But it’s always worth it and I’m loving playing for West Ham, so I’m more than happy to put in the miles.”
I’m loving my time with West Ham and I’m thoroughly excited to play every time I step out onto the pitch
Chenise Austin
Having spent three seasons with Swindon Town Ladies, Austin moved to the Irons last year, citing the facilities and training environment as a key factor in her decision to sign for the Hammers.
“I was instantly sold on West Ham,” she says. “The coaches and staff are amazing here, and the facilities are incredible. I don’t believe you can get training – in terms of the entire package – at a better level anywhere else.
“The key thing for me is enjoying my football. I’m loving my time with West Ham and I’m thoroughly excited to play every time I step out onto the pitch.”
A regular starter for the Ladies, Austin knows she cannot take her position in the first XI for granted, with a host of talented players available to step in.
“Hannah [Wheeler] and I tend to be the centre-back pairing and we’ve got to know each other very well. But Leanne [Mabey] has come back in now as well, and I think she’s a really reliable defender. She’s knocking on the door for a regular place.
“Mollie Kmita can play at the back as well. Jasmine Auguste and Chantelle Mackie are excellent full-backs, but essentially there’s six or seven of us competing to play in the back-line. I can’t rest on my laurels at all.”
One thing that makes Austin stand-out, despite being a defender, is her composure in front of goal – particularly from penalties. The centre-back has been called upon to take a spot-kick on three occasions this campaign, with all three ending up in the net.
“I don’t know how it started, if I’m honest.” Austin laughs. “I like to think I’ve got a cool head. Penalties, I think, are like Marmite. You either love them or you hate thing.
“Personally, I get such a buzz from taking a penalty, so I’m always happy to step up to the spot.”
With West Ham United Ladies already in the Isthmian League Cup final and earning a spot in the FA WPL Plate this past weekend, there is the possibility of silverware before the end of the campaign for Austin and her teammates.
And, of course, there is also the chance of taking more penalties!
Austin adds: “It would be awesome if we could win some silverware. Trophies are everything in football and to have that accomplishment with this team would be incredible.
“There could maybe be some more penalties as well, which is always exciting! If it comes to a shootout, you can guarantee I’ll be one of the first names on the list. The team can definitely rely on me!”