The youngster, who burst into Man City Women’s first-team in the 2015 season, scored on her second appearance and then scooped the End of Season ‘Rising Star’ award, is quickly becoming a crucial component in the Blues’ title charge.
With five goals in 2016, several of them beauties and three in her most recent game against Sunderland, the forward is no longer ‘one for the future’ - she’s one for now!
Having also led England under-17s to a bronze medal in the European Championships, she is making a name for herself in the women’s game both domestically and internationally.
While she admits to loving every second of the journey, Stanway - ever modest - is always quick to thank others for their support and guidance
Speaking after her hat-trick display on Sunday, she smiled: “I’m over the moon. It was a massive performance by the girls - everyone put in a good shift.
“We wanted the three points and we’ve come away with the three points so it was a very positive game.
“Credit to the girls. You can’t do it by yourself and we all put a shift in. That’s where we get results and that’s where the positives come from.”
The teenager is becoming renowned as a scorer of stunning goals, with a knack for accuracy, precision and power - even from long range.
When asked of the favourite of her seven City strikes, she replied: “My third against Sunderland wasn’t bad!
“It was especially positive because it was my hat-trick and a great way to top off the win.
“For me to have also earned Player of the Match is a massive confidence boost too, especially for a 17-year-old. You can’t ask for much more!”
With the Blues in such excellent form, sitting top of the table and having scored 16 goals in their last three games, opposition teams are doing their utmost to shut Nick Cushing’s side out by putting eleven players behind the ball.
Though sometimes frustrating to come up against, Stanway insists overcoming such obstacles is particularly satisfying for the team.
“You face that throughout the season,” she stated. “Only some teams want to attack so we have to be patient and I think we do that.
“You have to keep on going and we’ve all got the mentality to ensure good things will come off eventually. Sunday’s result is evidence of that.
“The game against Sunderland is out of the way now so we look to the next one against Reading
“No team is easy in this league. We have to take each game as it comes and keep doing what we’re doing and growing as a team.
“Let’s get three points and carry on the winning streak. If we keep playing like we are, no-one can stop us at the minute.”
Reflecting on the hat-trick heroine’s display, manager Cushing declared: “If you’re good enough, it doesn’t matter how old you are.
“One of our main strategies at City is to produce our own - that’s the case for males and females.
“She’s come in as a 16 year old, she’s worked hard and she’ll continue to work hard. She’s fearless and if you know her as a character, she’s a brave, competitive person.
“When she gets chances, she takes them and she worked unbelievably hard so she’ll keep her place in the team.”
