By Lesley Ryder
Chicago Stars FC have their first rookie signing.
Midfielder Manaka Hayashi joins the Stars from Santa Clara university, where she was recently named the West Coast Conference Rookie of the Year.
“I’m so excited to join this organization. I’m very thankful for everyone who made this possible and I’m looking forward to meeting all of the players, staff and fans, as well as winning with this team.” Hayashi said in a press release.
Hayashi had a busy 2024 season. She played 9 games for the Broncos as she captained Japan’s U-20 World Cup team to their third consecutive finals appearance, and a second place finish.
Prior to her college career, Hayashi was a standout player for the Oakland Soul of the USL-W league.
“Mana is so good, she is unbelievable. Sometimes I forget that she’s entering college in 2024 because her level is five steps ahead of everyone.” said Soul head coach Jessica Clinton said after Hayashi’s scored a heroic hat trick against local rivals San Francisco Glens.
Hayashi joins a rebuilding Chicago midfield. The Stars recruited Canadian Olympic hero Julia Grosso mid-season, and Maitane Lopez from Gotham FC in free agency. This new trio will be charged with improving Chicago’s possession and build-up play to provide goal-scoring opportunities.
“We are thrilled to have Manaka join Chicago Stars FC,” said general manager, Richard Feuz in the team’s press release. “Mana has already shown immense promise representing Japan at the youth level and we can’t wait to see how their talent develops with the Stars.”