The transition to being on the roster in the inaugural season of the Orlando Pride wasn’t an easy one for Toni Pressley. She didn’t log any minutes in the team's first four matches, a stark contrast from what she was used to.

“Coming from teams that I’ve always started I think that was a struggle,” said Pressley. “But also remembering that it’s not just about me, but it’s about the group and everyone in this long process I think just keeping that in mind in helping me stay positive.”

Growing up in Melbourne, Pressley made a name for herself playing for several US youth national teams. That experience combined with over 50 professional appearances under her belt makes the 5’11 defender a very attractive option for head coach Tom Sermanni.

“She brings real quality in possession,” said Sermanni. “She brings a really good left sided balance to our team at the back, she brings a great physical presence, and she brings a real dominance in there that not a lot of players in this league have.”

Despite the encouraging words from Sermanni it wasn’t until the home match against Western New York that the West Shore Jr/Sr High School grad finally saw the field of play.

“It was very exciting, from the moment they told me I might be going in, just getting my mind right and focusing on things that I want to do well and bring to the game I think helped me out a lot. Just getting my chance to show what I can do and I think that I did that.”

Pressley is now a constant in the Pride lineup, playing a full 90 minutes in the team's two matches since New York. And with her confidence at a high she’s expecting big things from her team.

“Keep winning, I think we have a really good team to be an expansion team, and I think that if we can put all the pieces together we have a very good shot at the championship.”

Excelling on the field, something her and her family back home in Brevard would be very proud of.