LONDON, England (CMC) — Jamaica international Chantelle Swaby said she is hoping to bring athleticism and tactical awareness to English Women’s Super League (WSL) club Leicester City in the 2024-25 season.

The 25-year-old defender agreed on Thursday to a two-year deal with LCFC Women — subject to league and international approval — after leaving French Première Ligue club FC Fleury 91 when her contract expired at the end of last season.

“It feels great to sign,” she said in an interview appearing on the club’s website. “It’s going to be a great experience and a good challenge for me as well. Overall, I’m just excited to get going.

“I’ve been wanting to come to the WSL for years now, but I just haven’t had the chance to. I’m happy to be here and can’t wait to get started.”

Swaby arrives at LCFC with 38 caps for the Reggae Girlz in the Fifa Women’s World Cup and Concacaf championships under her belt since her international debut six years ago, and she is looking forward to adding to the core of established internationals now operating out of Belvoir Drive.

“I like to be a playmaker, getting the ball to the midfielders and forwards; break lines and let them do what they can with the ball, but I still like to be involved and be strong in defence as well,” she said.

“Playing as the home team at King Power Stadium will be a whole different experience for me, and I’m really looking forward to getting started with my teammates and meet the supporters.

“It’s an amazing stadium. When I came here [with Jamaica], there wasn’t that many people in the stands because of the game and our opposition, but coming here as the home team will be a completely different experience which I’m excited for.”

Born in the United States, Swaby advanced her footballing career eight years ago at Rutgers University in the American city of New Brunswick in the state of New Jersey, while simultaneously studying for a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management.

Her entry into the professional game came four years ago when the centre back was drafted in the fourth round for National Women’s Soccer League outfit Sky Blue FC in the United States.

Swaby will carry invaluable experience to an already talented LCFC squad for the new season, starting on September 21, when she will cross paths with players such as her Jamaica teammates Khadija “Bunny” Shaw at Manchester City, as well as midfielder Drew Spence and goalkeeper Becky Spencer at Tottenham Hotspur.

LCFC ended 10th, on 18 points, in the 12-team WSL table last season.