Arsenal defender Emily Fox said she has been "pushed and challenged" in a successful first year with the club.
The 26-year-old USA international joined the Gunners from National Women's Soccer League side North Carolina Courage in January.
Arsenal finished third in the Women's Super League and Fox played in the League Cup final in March as they beat Chelsea to retain the trophy.
"The transition was so smooth and I felt right away like it worked," she told BBC Sport as she approaches the anniversary of when she joined the club.
"Coming here, nothing is given in the sense of will you do well, will you not do well? I looked at it as a challenge and I wanted to join a league and be uncomfortable and push myself.
"That is how I look at the success of it. I have been pushed, I have been challenged. Playing in the WSL and against some of the best players in the world, I have been able to embrace that and be a part of it."
