Elise Stenevik has committed her future to Everton, signing a new two-year deal with the Club until the end of June 2026.
The Norway Under-23 international moved to Merseyside in the summer of 2022 and has become an integral part of Brian Sorensen’s defence.
After a first half of the season disrupted through injury, Stenevik has excelled in the past six months, which included her first goal for the Club, becoming the first Norwegian to net for Everton.
“I’m very pleased to extend my stay here,” the 24-year-old told evertontv. “I always wanted to stay at Everton so I’m very happy we could make it happen.
“I’m really enjoying my football here. Especially when you look at our last few games and the results we’ve picked up. It’s been really good for the team.”
Despite missing half of the Women’s Super League season, Stenevik ranked in the top five for Everton players for tackles (25), clearances (30) and dribbles tackled (16) in 2023/24.
She credited the unity in the dressing room and the coaching from Sorensen and assistant manager Stephen Neligan for bringing the best out of her game.
“A lot of this group has been working together for two years now… and we have been building socially and, on the pitch,” she continued.
“Next season is something I’m definitely looking forward to and I have been for a long time without talking too much about it because you want to keep your focus on the present.
“I love the playing style and with Brian and Stephen also signing new deals, it made me more comfortable with my decision and it was a no-brainer to sign.”
Reflecting on the 2023/24 campaign, Stenevik believes the squad can be confident of kicking on for the new season.
“Obviously we want to aim higher in the table, that’s no secret,” Stenevik said. “I think we can stabilise our performances more.
“We have shown in patches that we can compete with the best teams; Chelsea in the FA Cup is a good example.
“The fans are so important [to achieve that]. They bring an edge to the whole situation from something you do for fun. It becomes more. You feel like you’re playing for someone more important than yourself. I think that is really special.”
On Stenevik’s new deal, boss Sorensen told evertonfc.com: “Elise has been unlucky this year in terms of injury after an excellent pre-season. She played the opening game against Brighton & Hove Albion and then was out for six months.
“After the winter break, we have seen how good she has been.
“I feel she has grown a lot, she’s extremely strong on and off the ball. Defensively she’s really solid, and she can play across the backline.
“I’m looking forward for to have a full season of consistency and I feel we will see a new level to her game.
“As a coach, she’s great to work with. She gives 100-per-cent every day and she supports her teammates really well. You can’t ask for a better player and person.”
