Leicester City goalkeeper Katie Keane believes togetherness, resilience and clarity of purpose will define the club’s push for promotion as they head into a new campaign.
Following a disappointing relegation, the mood within the squad has shifted towards renewal, with a host of new arrivals and a strong emphasis on rebuilding both performances and relationships.
“There’s a lot of new girls in the building, and it’s been really good just bringing everyone together,” Keane said. “We’re all excited to get going again.”
While the long-term objective is clear: a return to the Women’s Super League, Keane insists the squad are grounded in their approach.
“Our ambition is to go straight back up, but it’s one game at a time,” she explained. “It’s about building properly and making sure we’re ready.”
Resetting for a Fresh Start
After a demanding season, the summer break provided a vital opportunity to reset. For Keane, that meant stepping away from football and reconnecting with home.
“It was just holiday and family time,” she said. “Getting back to my roots and switching off a bit, it was exactly what I needed.”
That reset has fed into a focused pre-season, now a couple of weeks underway, where the squad have been put through their paces physically while also learning how to function as a new collective.
“It’s been a lot of running, a lot of tests, but that’s always part of it,” Keane said. “The main message is that we’re all in it together, figuring out how we play best and building from there.”
Built on Togetherness
If there is one theme that runs through Leicester’s preparations, it is unity. Keane repeatedly highlights the importance of supporting teammates, especially during the toughest moments.
“When it gets hard, that’s when you need each other the most,” she said. “It’s about having each other’s backs and pushing through together.”
That bond was strengthened during the squad’s participation in the World Sevens tournament at the end of last season, a trip Keane describes as “incredible” and a turning point for morale.
“It came at a tough time, but it really lifted spirits,” she recalled. “We got to know each other properly, on and off the pitch, and that’s going to help us massively this season.”
A Goalkeeper with Clear Targets
As a young goalkeeper, Keane’s individual ambitions align closely with the team’s success. Clean sheets, consistency and contribution to promotion are her immediate priorities, alongside a personal goal of competing for the Golden Glove.
“You want to keep as many clean sheets as possible and help the team get back up,” she said. “And of course, the Golden Glove is something every keeper wants.”
Beyond the domestic stage, Keane has her sights set on returning to the WSL and breaking into the national team setu,p targets driven by both personal pride and a competitive edge.
“I’m really competitive,” she admitted. “I want to make my family proud, make myself proud, and show the coaches that their work has paid off.”
Influence, Leadership and Growth
Keane credits much of her development to influential figures in her career, particularly from her time within the Ireland setup.
“Emma Byrne and Maria Hourihan have been massive influences,” she said. “They’re role models and people I’ve looked up to for a long time.”
At club level, she speaks highly of manager Rick, praising both his football knowledge and his personal approach.
“He’s one of the nicest managers I’ve ever had,” Keane said. “He pushes you to be the best version of yourself but also cares about you off the pitch. That’s really important.”
More Than a Footballer
Off the pitch, Keane is keen to maintain a strong connection with supporters and to show the person behind the player.
“I try to be open and honest with fans,” she said. “They travel everywhere for us, so it’s about showing appreciation. At the end of the day, we’re all just people.”
Away from football, music plays a central role in her life, a passion shaped by her family and one she has developed herself.
“My playlists are all over the place,” she laughed. “From The Beatles to different languages, I love everything. I’ve taught myself guitar and piano too.”
Looking Ahead
While the squad continues to evolve, Keane remains confident in the direction Leicester are heading. Despite the departure of close teammate Yanni, whom she describes as part of a “goalkeeper union,” the focus is firmly on building something new.
“I’ll miss her a lot, but we learned so much from each other,” she said. “Now it’s about pushing forward with this group.”
With a renewed squad, strengthened bonds and a clear identity forming, Leicester’s rebuild is well underway, driven by a simple but powerful mindset.
“Keep going,” Keane said when asked what advice she would give herself. “Don’t change who you are. Just keep being you.”
It’s a message that reflects both her personal journey and Leicester City’s collective mission as they aim to turn setback into success.
