Jhanaie Pierre: ‘I’ve put a lot of hard work in and it’s turned out great’
Jhanaie Pierre is over the moon to sign her first professional contract and continue her journey with Spurs.
Having joined the Club as a 10-year-old and progressing through each age group within our Academy set-up, the contract is a result of Jhanaie’s hard work over the years into becoming a regular member of Martin Ho’s training squad in the last 12 months.
A huge moment in the very early stages of her exciting career, the young winger couldn’t be prouder to make her dream - and her family’s - come true when she signed on the dotted line.
“I'm over the moon,” the 18-year-old told us. “I feel like I've put in a lot of hard work and it's turned out great. I'm just grateful, it means a lot to me and my family. My nan, she's not here with us, unfortunately, but I'm just glad to make her proud.
“I've been here since Under-10s and it's just been a journey, to be honest. Obviously with highs and lows, but it's been great and I've learned a lot through this experience.
“Since Under-10s, I've just gone up and it started off like grassroots, but it's really developed now.”
Jhanaie initially joined the First Team environment when she joined our performance camp in Spain last summer and has continued to make massive strides in her development in the past year as she continues to learn her trade alongside experienced Women’s Super League players.
Making her first appearance at a senior level in our pre-season victory over Granada last month, coming on as a second half substitute, the England youth international has enjoyed every minute of being in the environment.
“It was good,” she explained when asked about her experience on the performance camp. “I feel like the intensity and the pace of the game was much different and it was just nice to get a taste of what could possibly happen next.”
“I've learned from older players, from more experienced players, and they've challenged me on and off the pitch. I'm just grateful that now I get to show the world who I am.
“Hopefully I can make my debut and just keep learning, improving as a player on and off the pitch, and just living life and being happy."