Back Where It All Began: Kyah Simon

At the end of a Matildas camp in 2008, Kyah Simon walked into the coaches room to collect something. “I looked up on the whiteboard and there were names written under teams. I saw mine under Central Coast Mariners.” It wasn’t until the inaugural W-League squads were announced that it clicked for her that she would start her professional career in Gosford. Twelve years on, Kyah is back where it all began. 

“Being at the club that gave me my first opportunity as a professional footballer is really special.” Off the back of a challenging injury layoff after tearing her ACL, MCL and meniscus, it was rather simple; Kyah just wanted to play again. 480 days away from competitive football was more than enough to fuel the fire. “There were times during rehab where I thought I wouldn’t ever play again. I’ll never take being able to play football for granted.”

In deciding to return to Australia, Kyah weighed up what mattered most. “It opens your eyes as you get older; you find what’s most important to you.” Being back on the field, close to family and living in a great location were at the top of her list. “It’s no surprise why I’ve probably been the happiest I’ve been at Mariners.”

With the Mariners squad in their first year together, Kyah thinks back to the impact that more experienced players had on her when she was younger, and how that helped the team’s performance. “Growing the belief within the team is half of the challenge. I don’t find the captaincy or leadership role as any extra pressure, but quite enjoy the responsibility, I love being there to help where I can.”

In their recent match against Canberra United, the Mariners were awarded a penalty in the first half. When Kyah stepped up to take it, it was about much more than just one goal. “That was a high pressure moment for me because I was thinking back to the World Cup… I just wanted to score so I could say I was ready, I can do it.” When the ball hit the back of the net, her teammates surrounded her in an instant. The jubilation and relief was written all over her face.

The way the club and community have embraced Kyah has led to a sense of belonging she cherishes. “Everyone makes you feel so welcome.” Throughout her career, she’s spent over five years rehabbing various injuries. “When you think of a professional career, that’s a lot of time to be out of the game.” There’s no doubt now that returning to the Mariners was the right decision for her. “This is the season I needed.”

With finals football on the horizon, Kyah thinks back to the opening match. At a pre match function, she told the room that they wanted to win the league. “If you don’t aim for winning, you’re not going to win,” she explains. The league is known for being somewhat unpredictable, and that’s part of what makes it exciting. “I think it’s in a good place in terms of competition. You don’t know what’s going to happen.”

After all the time she spent away from the game, this season is about returning to the pitch in the right headspace. “What makes it more worthwhile now being back is that I had so many dark thoughts during the rehab.” Kyah talks about ticking the small boxes, something that allows her to celebrate more than just the bigger moments. 

By coming home, Kyah Simon prioritised her happiness and reignited her passion for football. It’s clear already that her decision is justified. Back where it all started, this new chapter in her illustrious career is one of fulfilment. “The longer I’ve been here, the more the decision feels right, and the more I want to stay.”

Words and photos by Rachel Bach.