By Lesley Ryder
Chicago Stars FC introduced two of their new offseason signings, Mana Hayashi and Halle Mackiewicz in a media availability on Monday morning.
Mana Hayashi joins the Stars after spending last season at Santa Clara University, and playing for Japan at the U-20 World Cup. While she had success at the college level, Hayashi knew it was time to make the jump to the pros. “I experienced a lot of international matches at the World Cup, and then I thought, I want to improve by myself more and more. So I started looking for like NWSL team.” Hayashi said to the media on Monday. Though she had many suitors in her free agency era, Chicago emerged as the frontrunner when they offered a three-year contract. “I feel like I can take time to get comfortable. So I'm so excited and happy.”
Hayashi just started her training in the Stars FC preseason, but she’s excited to learn from her more-experienced teammates. She’s set her sights on earning a spot in the Starting XI. “I'm not aiming to be on the bench. For sure, I'm gonna make a play [for] the field, even though it's my first professional [team].”
Halle Mackiewicz was drafted by the KC Current in 2024, but did not sign for the club as she needed time to rehab a shoulder injury. She signed with Trellesborg FF in the Swedish league, Damallsvensken in August, and appeared in 10 games.
Mackiewicz also led the Clemson Tigers to the 2023 College Cup semifinals, where they fell 2-0 to the eventual champions, Florida State. That season she was named ACC’s goalkeeper of the year in 2023, and made the 1st team All-ACC with her fellow Tigers, Hal Hershfelt and Makenna Morris.
But Mackiewicz isn’t trying to take the number-1 goalkeeping spot just yet. “It's been awesome, kind of just taking it in and learning from [Alyssa Naeher], obviously a really special place to be because of who she is, and, you know, the year she had last year.” Mackewicz said during the media availability. “I'm going to be trying to learn everything I can from Alyssa.”
Preseason training is ongoing for the new signings, but they are excited to experience Chicago’s culinary scene. “I'm so excited to get, like, very good food, because I heard Chicago has a lot of lot of good food.” Hayashi said.
Mackewicz was excited for a Chicago staple. “I love a good Chicago dog. Actually, we were just talking about it before this call, so I'm gonna have to go get an authentic one soon for me.”
No word yet on how the new signings feel about ketchup.