The 18-year-old joined City from Women’s Super League rivals Arsenal in June, adding further depth and versatility to Gareth Taylor’s already star-studded squad.
And while the defender is yet to make her first team bow, Mace says she’s already noticed a vast improvement in the three months that she’s been at the Academy Stadium so far.
“I feel like I’ve developed more here over a short period of time than I have anywhere,” she reflected.
“With the coaching and level of detail, I feel like I’m developing a lot. It’s a lot different to what I expected – a lot harder – but that’s the challenge I wanted.”
“I feel like the biggest difference has been understanding me as a player – what I need to do differently to move forward in my career.
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“I’ve spoken with Gareth (Taylor) after training few times. He told me I’m getting on really well and have settled in quicker than he thought I would. That’s nice to hear.
“He just told me to keep working hard and to keep being myself.”
Although Mace admits that adapting to her new surroundings at such a young age has presented some challenges, she says her teammates have made that transition as smooth as possible.
And while each and every member of Gareth Taylor’s squad have played their part in that, she revealed that City stopper Karen Bardsley has been particularly supportive.
“Karen (Bardsley) has been really good with me. Every day, she asks me how I am and she said that if I ever need anything, to let her know.
“It is different. Everyone I’m around is older than me, but they’ve all made me feel welcome and helped me.
“I can idolise them and learn from their experiences. Even in training, everyone motivates each other to do better.”
