Sophie Black is delighted to be another part of the club’s successful pathway from youth level to first-team.
Having signed her first professional contract at Rangers, the youngster is another player who has progressed through the ranks before joining up with the Gers full-time.
Speaking to RangersTV after putting pen to paper on the deal in Glasgow, she commented: “As a younger player when I was in the academy, to see the likes of Kirsty Maclean and Jodi [McLeary] signing their first professional contract it really showed that there was the pathway there and showed that I could do that as well.
“I am absolutely delighted and looking ahead to the season; I am hoping to make some big impacts and get some valuable minutes.
“I am excited to show myself to all the other players and to the fans as well, showing what I can do.”
Black looked back at some of her moments within the Gers academy and first-team so far, from being handed a debut at Aberdeen to travelling to London on Champions League duty all within the space of a few months in 2024.
She continued: “Winning the league at Under-18s was probably one of the standout moments. Hopefully there are more trophies to come in my professional career.
“Debut? I think it was quite unexpected, to be honest. I had been training during pre-season and had been working hard.
“I didn't expect it at all, even to be involved and playing against the likes of Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.
“Just to be amongst those big players and the way they carry themselves, and I got to learn off Rangers players as well.
“I am so grateful for all the players and coaches that I have worked with. I definitely wouldn't be here without them and also my family, of course.
“Getting me to training and all that, I am so grateful for everyone involved in my journey, especially grateful to Donald and Leanne for giving me this opportunity and putting the trust in me.”
More recently, the 18-year-old has enjoyed two separate productive loan spells at Motherwell, the first in which her now Head Coach was assistant at the K-Park side, sharing her delight at now working with the former Scotland international full-time moving forward.
She added: “Actually, Leanne was at Motherwell at that point; for her to carry into Rangers, it is good that I knew her as well first.
“I think it was a no-brainer as soon as Motherwell came in; I really enjoyed my time there, got some valuable minutes, scored some goals. I am so grateful for Motherwell, and I really enjoyed my time there.
“Even in training and test myself amongst the best players in the league. It was a no-brainer, and I was delighted to be back.
“I have really enjoyed it. I couldn't speak highly enough of her, and she has given me that opportunity to be here, and I am so grateful for that.
“I am developing every day, so that is all I can ask for.
“Pre-season? It has been tough, but the team is looking really strong, and we are in a good position.
“We are excited for the Champions League ahead, and we are just building every week, and excited to get going.”
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