1. She has won silverware with her country
A regular for her national team after making her senior debut in 2018, Kinga Szemik has been involved on the international stage since first appearing in her country's youth-age groups in 2012.
In 2013, the then 15-year-old was on the bench as Poland’s U17 side clinched the Under-17 European Championship, beating a Sweden team that contained future stars such as Stina Blackstenius and Nathalie Björn.
Szemik has played 17 times for the senior team and will likely be back between the posts when Poland take on Austria and Iceland in their final two UEFA Euro 2025 League A qualifying matches on Friday 12 and Tuesday 16 July.
2. She is the third Pole to represent West Ham United
Szemik will be hoping to replicate the success of fellow Poland goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański at West Ham United. The 39-year-old has played well over 180 matches in Claret & Blue and will likely be a source of inspiration for Szemik during her time in east London.
Szemik becomes the second Polish player to play for the women’s team after Wiktoria Kiszkis, who made two first-team appearances in 2019.
3. She likes to help the team as much as she can
During her first interview with West Ham TV, Szemik revealed what fans can expect to see from her, and she confirmed she is somebody who likes to give their all for the team.
“I think I’m the type of player that observes the game the most, and I like to be as helpful as I can to the team by communicating with them and being supportive,” Szemik explained.
“I want the fans to know that I have their backs in the goal and that they can count on me and be sure that I will always give 100 per cent on the field. That’s what I want my teammates to expect from me.
“I know that West Ham is one of the biggest clubs with one of the longest histories here in England. I know that the women’s team has been here for a while also, so I’m happy to be here. I’m excited to start my journey at the Club!”
4. This is the fourth different country she will play in
The women’s team’s new No1 has amassed a lot of experience during her time as a professional so far.
She began her career at hometown Club TS Mitech Żywiec, where she would play between 2011 and 2016, before heading off to the USA. There, she began her studies at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and played college football for four seasons.
Then, she signed her first professional contract with FC Nantes, before moving on to Stade de Reims, both of the Première Ligue.
Last season, Szemik topped the charts for the most clean sheets in the division, keeping nine from her 22 matches played, leading to the Hammers swooping in to secure her signature!
5. She is excited about heading Down Under
It was confirmed on Wednesday 26 June that the women’s team will be heading to Australia to take part in the inaugural Perth International Football Cup!
Following the immensely successful men’s tour last July, Rehanne Skinner’s side will head to western Australia and will battle it out with fellow Barclays Women’s Super League sides Manchester City and Leicester City and French Division 1 Féminine side Paris Saint-Germain.
And Szemik said that while she is looking forward to heading to Australia, she has seen some videos that are making her a little bit nervous about getting on the plane...
She said: “It’s big news and I’m very excited about it. I’m a little bit nervous too after seeing all the reels and videos about the wildlife and creepy crawlies in Australia, but my friends from PSG are going to be there too so it’s going to be awesome to be reunited with them over there.
“It will be my first time in Australia too so I’m very excited!”
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