Bridgeway is thrilled to congratulate LeiLanni Nesbeth on her remarkable achievements and her debut in the NWSL playoffs as a member of the Chicago Red Stars. LeiLanni and her team are set to face Orlando Pride in the NWSL quarter-final playoffs—an incredible milestone in her first professional season. As the #8 seed, the Red Stars will be up against the league’s top team, who remain unbeaten on their home turf. LeiLanni’s determination and her team’s resilience promise an exciting contest as they fight for a spot in the semifinals.

LeiLanni’s journey from Bermuda to this incredible point in her career has been one of commitment and community support. Early on, her family recognized her exceptional talent in various sports, but they didn’t have a clear path forward to nurture her potential. It was then that Neil Speight, our Director, stepped in and played a pivotal role in guiding her educational and athletic journey. When LeiLanni was just 12, Neil facilitated meetings with representatives from overseas schools, helping her and her family feel comfortable and confident. This culminated in securing a significant scholarship to Bedes in Eastbourne, England, where she excelled academically, became Deputy Head Girl, and thrived across multiple sports.

At Bedes, LeiLanni developed both personally and professionally, ultimately choosing football as her focus and earning a full scholarship to Florida State University. There, she continued to make strides, graduating with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree before becoming the first Bermudian to play in the NWSL.

Neil’s mentorship and support throughout LeiLanni’s journey, from setting her on a path for overseas schooling to supporting her family, helped her realize her ambitions. We’re proud of LeiLanni’s accomplishments, and we look forward to seeing her continue to inspire others with her dedication and talent.

If your child has a passion for sports or you’re exploring boarding school opportunities, contact us to discover how Bridgeway can open doors for them, just as it did for LeiLanni. We’re here to support young people in reaching their full potential, whether that’s in academics, athletics, or other pursuits.

Congratulations, LeiLanni! You’re a shining example of what can be achieved with vision, community, and a drive to succeed.