Chandler McDaniel is embracing a new challenge as she begins the next chapter of her club career with Atlante in Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil.

The Filipinas forward admitted she is “super excited” about the move, which will see her compete in one of the region’s most competitive women’s leagues while helping build something new at Atlante.

“Atlante is a new team, so being able to be a first team in the league is very exciting,” McDaniel said.

For McDaniel, however, the move represents more than simply joining a new club. With the Filipinas now qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 26-year-old sees the opportunity to play outside Asia as an important part of her preparation for the global stage.

A move to Mexico will expose her to a different footballing culture, style and set of challenges and experiences she believes can add another dimension to her game.

“I think that playing in a different confederation with a different style will help me with my preparation for the World Cup,” she said. “It’s a new style and it’ll help me branch out and work on things I may not have needed to while in Asia.”

That change of environment is precisely what McDaniel is looking forward to. Rather than remaining in a familiar setting, she wants to test herself against new opponents, adapt to a different style and continue expanding her game ahead of the World Cup in Brazil.

For now, her objective is straightforward:

“I’m hoping I’m able to stay competitive and make an impact when I’m in the games,” she said.

And while the World Cup remains the ultimate target, McDaniel is taking the journey one step at a time.

“At the end of the day I just need to trust in the plan that God has for me, so I’ll keep my head down and work hard,” she said. “The overall goal is to be the best version of myself at the World Cup and I think this will help me achieve that.”

For McDaniel, Mexico is more than a new destination. It is another opportunity to challenge herself, broaden her game and grow into a more complete player with the biggest stage in women’s football waiting at the end of the journey.