West Ham United women’s team midfielder Soraya Walsh believes being part of the first-team set-up has helped her develop as a player, and has lauded captain Katrina Gorry in particular for filling her with belief.
The 19-year-old, who joined the Hammers from Charlton Athletic in 2022, signed her first professional contract with the Club last July, following a season-long loan spell at Billericay Town, where she impressed in her 25 appearances in the 2023/24 campaign.
Training with the first team day in, day out, has helped Walsh grow in confidence and she was rewarded with a debut in Claret and Blue in the Subway® Women’s League Cup in December, as the Irons saw off visiting Southampton 3-0 at Chigwell Construction Stadium.
On an evening when goals from Shelina Zadorsky, Dagný Brynjarsdóttir and a Paige Peake own-goal wrapped up Rehanne Skinner’s side’s Group C campaign, Walsh impressed on the left wing, having linked up well with full-back Kirsty Smith to cause problems for the Saints defence.
In her post-match interview after the victory in east London, Walsh admitted that playing with the rest of the squad was an ‘amazing opportunity’ and, while reflecting on the past season at Chadwell Heath, highlighted how much of an impact skipper Gorry has had on her, who was handed the armband ahead of 2024/25.
“It’s been a really good experience, being part of this team,” said the No36, who, after making her debut, went on to feature in many Barclays Women’s Super League matchday squads.
“I feel like I’ve developed so much as a player, just being around players such as Katrina Gorry. I’ve also grown a lot as a person, and I’ve grown a lot in confidence as well.
“She’s (Gorry) just always told me to be myself on the pitch, she’s always given me the confidence to play with no fear, and I feel that’s really helped me grow as myself and as a player.”
Skinner’s side bettered their 2023/24 WSL points total by eight in 2024/25, setting new Club records along the way, and Walsh labelled the morale within the team as a contributing factor to the progress made on the pitch.
“The team environment this year [has been great],” she said. “Everyone’s together, we’ve worked really hard as a team and we get on really well, and I feel that’s really translated onto the pitch.
“I think that’s come because we’ve bonded really well as a team this year.”
