In an article by BBC Sport’s Emma Sanders, Racing Louisville FC defender Gemma Bonner reflected on the unique atmosphere of the NWSL, particularly at her new club.
Before joining Racing in June, Bonner had played with FA WSL club Manchester City. While there, the club finished second in the league for two straight seasons and won two FA Cups. But when Louisville approached her earlier in the year, it was an opportunity she couldn’t turn down.
“It was something I was never really considering at the time,” Bonner told Sanders. “But once I had a conversation with them, I was surprised at how much it excited me. I saw it as a challenge.”
Bonner has enjoyed “the most professional I have felt in an environment” since arriving in Louisville.
“It’s quite unique in my experience in women’s football,” she told BBC Sport. “It’s the norm for the women’s team to be involved. You can go wherever you want, speak to whoever you want and you don’t feel like you’re encroaching into an area. That was a new experience for me.”
Through her in the NWSL, Bonner wants to challenge herself and potentially earn a spot with the England Women’s National Team.
“I’ve always said it’s something I’ll never give up on,” she said.