Sunderland Women and New Zealand star Katie Kitching reviewed her impressive start to her Lasses career and shared her delight at her international debut.
Joining in the summer from London City Lionesses, Kitching highlighted how easy it was to settle into Wearside.
“I’m loving it, it’s a really good environment,” Kitching said.
“The coaching staff and the players are great, and it helps that we’re having some really good performances and good wins.
“I settled in really quickly and I think that’s down to the players and staff making me feel really welcome.”
The Black Cats number 10 already has two goals and one assist from midfield but is looking to build on her strong start to the season.
“Anything that I can do to help the team, that’s what I want to do. I’ve got a couple of goals now which is good but I’m aiming to get more and more assists.
“I think the most important thing is the team performances and if we keep building on them and getting results, we can keep pushing on.
The midfielder’s remarkable Sunderland form earned a call-up to 2023 World Cup participants’ New Zealand’s senior team, where she played twice during the break.
“I was really proud. My mum cried every time I mentioned something about it, she had tears in her eyes!
“It was amazing [her New Zealand debut]. In the first game, there was lots of fans there, they were really loud and I’ve never experienced an atmosphere like that. I think there were like 17,000 fans or something.
“In the second game, to come on so early it was a bit surprising, and it took me a while to get into it but it was really good. I think I eventually found a good rhythm.
“We were unfortunate not to get a good result but I think we had a good performance and have something to continue building on.”
With two caps under her belt now, the 25-year-old aspires for regular appearances on the international stage, but discussed her focus on the short term goals.
“I think just hopefully getting another call-up is the first step and trying not to think too far into the future.
“I think my goal is to be a consistent player but right now I’m focusing on the next step first.”