This football piece captures the inspiring journey of Kyra Cooney-Cross, a rising star in women’s football. From a young age, Kyra was drawn to the sport, largely influenced by her father, Jai Cross, a former high-level footballer in Queensland. His passion for the game became Kyra’s own, and he played a pivotal role as her first teacher and trainer. Kyra’s early soccer talent was evident as she often outshined the boys she competed against.
The Story Behind Kyra Cooney-Cross’ Early Years and Soccer Success
Raised by her dedicated single mother, Jessica Cooney, Kyra’s journey was one of determination and sacrifice. Jessica worked tirelessly to support her children, balancing her occupational therapy studies with her responsibilities. She drove Kyra 90 minutes to Melbourne and back five times a week for football training, determined to give her daughter every opportunity to succeed despite the challenges they faced.
Through dedication and a relentless passion for the sport, Kyra laid the foundation for her football career. This biography unveils the story of a remarkable athlete whose love for the game has left an indelible mark on the football world.
Preamble:
Driven by talent and fueled by passion, Kyra Cooney-Cross’s story is one worth exploring. This biography offers insight into her childhood, early life, and family background, featuring her parents, Jai Cross and Jessica Cooney, and her sister, Mia Cooney-Cross. It also touches on her relationships, including any significant others, as well as her extended family of cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents.
Our goal is to spark your interest in Kyra’s journey as you uncover the remarkable details of her life. To begin, we share a visual journey highlighting her incredible rise to stardom. Kyra, the accomplished daughter of Jai Cross and Jessica Cooney, has achieved an extraordinary career, and her story continues to inspire.
Behold the Captivating Gallery Showcasing Kyra Cooney-Cross’s Early Years and Rise to Stardom, from Queensland Roots to Global Football Impact.
Kyra Cooney-Cross Childhood Story:
For Biography starters, the athlete bears the Full Name Kyra Lillee Cooney-Cross. The baller was born on the 15th day of February 2002 to her Father, Jai Cross, and Mother, Jessica Cooney, in Herston, Queensland, Australia.
Cooney-Cross entered the world as one of four daughters born to her parents. The baller and her sisters were born into the marital union between their Dad, Jai Cross, and Mum, Jessica Cooney.
Her birth added another chapter to the beautiful union between her father and mother. Her parents provide a foundation of love and support to fuel her passion for football and future endeavours.
Growing-Up Years:
Cooney-Cross is the first and the eldest of four daughters born to her parents. As mentioned, the athlete was born in Herston, Queensland, Australia. The formal Melbourne Victory soccer player was raised by a football-loving father, a formal player.
It was, therefore, not surprising that she developed a strong interest in sports right from when she was a kid. The Australian and Hammarby IF Midfielder was introverted and quiet as a child. Her main focus was sorely on football.
She began to exhibit early indicators of rapid love for sports, notably in terms of football. Kyra preferred to bounce the ball about on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
Kyra Cooney-Cross Early Life:
The athlete was drawn to becoming an athlete because her father was an athlete. As a result, she participated mostly in football activities with her friends in the neighbourhood. She was a born football player who, due to some innate abilities.
Kyra entered the game thanks to her perseverance and her family’s support. In addition, Cooney-Cross showed strength in soccer and quickly acknowledged her skills. The intense and tough youngster began playing football at the age of six.
Her dad said she was doing better than most of the boys she competed with. All that mattered to the youngster was being the best, not minding her gender. She just considered herself an equal opponent to boys. As soon as her skill was noticed, she was accepted into the football youth academy.
Kyra Cooney-Cross Family Background:
The Aussie midfield ace grew up in a middle-class home. Her parents worked diligently to ensure the needs of their children were met with their average income. Despite the challenges and modest financial status, they supported their daughter’s aspirations and dreams.
Cooney-Cross’s parents prioritized providing the necessary resources and opportunities for her. Their commitment to her development was unwavering, even in the face of her parent’s marriage breakdown.
As a kid, Kyra Cooney-Cross and her family led a nomadic lifestyle. They moved from the Sunshine Coast to Alice Springs and eventually settled in Ballarat and Torquay. Their journey across the country brought diverse experiences that shaped Cooney’s upbringing.
Despite the challenges, Kyra Cooney-Cross’s single mother, Jessica Cooney, displayed resilience in providing for their family.
Jessica juggled studying occupational therapy with seeking employment. This entailed driving Kyra the considerable distance of 90 minutes to and from Melbourne five times a week for practice.
Kyra Cooney-Cross Family Origin:
The dynamic Australian playmaker is a proud Australian, representing her country in football. Regarding where Kyra Cooney’s family comes from (in Australia ), our research points to Herston, Queensland, the place of her birth.
Herston is located in the City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, and is an inner suburb known for its distinct charm and character.
As of the 2016 census, Herston was home to approximately 2,215 residents. The map below will help you understand Cooney’s family origins.
Look at the map to get a glimpse of Cooney’s hometown and the place that shaped her journey. Photo Credit: World Atlas and Wikipedia.
Her nationality is a testament to her heritage and affiliation with the nation’s sporting culture. As an Australian, she has worn the green and gold jersey while competing at various levels, showcasing her talent and representing her country with pride.
Kyra Cooney-Cross Ethnicity:
Based on research, the midfielder belongs to the Aussies ethnic group. This ethnic group is made up of citizens and nationals of Australia. In addition, they occupy 29.9% of the population, making it the largest ethnic group in the country.
Kyra Cooney-Cross Education:
For starters, the athlete did not have her education in one location because of disruptions caused by her parents’ marriage breakdown. The dynamic journey saw her attending six schools across four different states.
Despite all the challenges, football remained her primary focus. It served as a constant anchor in the midst of change and provided a source of stability and purpose in her life.
However, Cooney-Cross attended Ballarat High School and Surf Coast Secondary College in Torquay. In 2014 and 2015, Kyra Cooney-Cross participated in the Ballarat High School Specialty Sports Program.
Kyra Cooney-Cross had her Academic and Athletic Journey at Ballarat High School. Photo Credit: Specialist Sport and Ballarat School.
Career Buildup:
Kyra Cooney-Cross found her natural habitat on the white beaches of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Even at a young age, she possessed the qualities of a born footballer.
Her baby-faced innocence belied her skills as she effortlessly toyed with the boys on the pitch.
From the beginning, her innate gifts set her apart from her peers. The dynamic Australian playmaker’s early days revealed her talent and love for the game, foreshadowing her future as a remarkable footballer.
At age five or six, Kyra Cooney-Cross excelled against boys in her early days of playing football. She strived to be the best and considered herself equal to her male counterparts.
Even while camping, she sought to play with the boys, who initially underestimated her skills.
However, immediately after they witnessed her play, they quickly realized her talent and welcomed her onto their team. She had a good passing range as a kid, which came naturally to her.
Kyra Cooney-Cross Biography – Football Story:
At 13 years old, Kyra Cooney-Cross began her journey at FFV NTC. A year later, she was given the opportunity to be trialled for the Mini Matildas. Between 2013 and 2016, Cooney-Cross played for three years with Ballarat City, where Tessa Curtain served as the team’s head coach.
In 2018, as Kyra Cooney-Cross’s football career gained momentum, she faced a significant challenge. An opportunity arose to join the Future Matildas program in Sydney. It meant relocating alone while her tight-knit family remained happily settled in Torquay.
According to Kyra, Moving up (to Sydney) on her own and staying with host families was nerve-wracking. Living with unfamiliar families was a scary experience, but she was fortunate to have two excellent host families. The move proved to be a positive and fruitful one for Cooney-Cross.
She resided with Nevin and completed her education at the prestigious Westfield Sports High in Western Sydney. Simultaneously, her football career flourished, with notable milestones achieved.
Road to Fame Story:
At 15, she made her debut in the then-W-League for the Victory. By 17, she was selected as a standby player for the Matildas in the 2019 World Cup. Later that year, she earned a place in the Young Matildas squad for the AFC U19 Women’s Championship.
During her second W-League season, Cooney-Cross encountered another significant obstacle. She struggled with form and confidence, leading to a diminished role within the team.
Her coach’s lack of favour resulted in her being benched for a significant portion of the 2018-2019 campaign. This setback had a detrimental effect on her self-belief, compounding the challenges she faced.
Career with Western Sydney Wanderers:
Once again, Kyra Cooney-Cross demonstrated her resilience by making a strategic move to propel her career forward. She signed a one-year contract with the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Under the guidance of head coach Dean Heffernan and alongside exceptional teammates, Cooney-Cross received a valuable football education. The supportive environment and the presence of world-class talent contributed to her growth and development as a player.
Kyra Cooney-Cross fondly recalls the experience of playing alongside a talented group of teammates. Denise O’Sullivan from Ireland, Amy Harrison from Australia, and US internationals Kristen Hamilton, Lynn Williams, and Sam Staab made a significant impact.
The versatile Matildas player greatly enjoyed the presence of the mentioned ballers as they formed a cohesive and skilled group. She made her debut by scoring on a free kick in the 92nd minute of a 2-1 home victory over Adelaide United.
Kyra Cooney-Cross Bio – Rise to Fame Story:
After a season with the Western Sydney Wanderers, Kyra Cooney-Cross rejoined Melbourne Victory in December 2020. In the 2021 W-League Grand Final, she made a remarkable impact. The midfielder scored directly from a corner kick in the 120th minute of extra time.
Her goal secured a 1-0 victory over Sydney FC, clinching the championship. In a new chapter of her career, The Midfielder and teammate Courtney Nevin transferred to Hammarby IF on March 15 2022. The athletes signed a two-year contract with the club in the Swedish Damallsvenskan.
Kyra Cooney-Cross received a warm welcome from her coach, Johan Lager, upon joining Hammarby in Sweden. Lager expressed his satisfaction with her arrival, stating they had been scouting her extensively.
And he believed she would contribute to their climb towards the top of Damallsvenskan.
Cooney-Cross’s presence was highly anticipated, and the team had full confidence in her ability to impact their quest for success positively.
International Career:
Kyra Cooney-Cross has proudly represented Australia at different youth levels. She was a member of the Australian U-17 team participating in the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan.
Also, she joined the Australian U-20 team, competing in the 2018 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship. In June 2021, Kyra Cooney-Cross achieved a significant milestone by making her debut for the Australian senior national team, the Matildas.
During her debut friendly match against Sweden, she astounded with a stunning long-range goal. The exceptional box-to-box midfielder is regarded as one of the emerging talents in Australian women’s soccer. She won the Rebel Sports Player of the Match for Australia vs Thailand.
Her impressive displays at club and international levels have ignited anticipation for her bright future in the sport. Kyra, alongside Katrina Gorry (CM), Emily van Egmond, Ellie Carpenter, plus the Legendary Sam Kerr, etc., cemented their spot in Matildas Australia’s squad to play the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
As they say, the rest of our Biography is now history, with her ongoing journey continuing to unfold.
Personal Life:
Off the field, Kyra Cooney is known for her reserved and quiet demeanour. Often referred to as the “silent assassin” with a baby-faced appearance. She is down-to-earth, well-spoken, and rarely gets into trouble, maintaining a high level of self-discipline unnoticed by others.
Kyra Cooney is confident in her unique style and is described by friends as cool, composed, and collected. Outside of football, she maintains a trouble-free lifestyle, focusing on her career growth and leading a normal life.
She also shares the Aquarius zodiac sign with people like Nichelle Prince and Alexia Putellas. She is an independent and withdrawn individual, which are characteristic of Aquarius.
Kyra Cooney-Cross Lifestyle:
As a professional athlete, she leads a very active and healthy lifestyle. She follows a diet, regular training sessions, conditioning, and physical therapy to be at the top of her game. Kyra Cooney-Cross has an endorsement deal from Adidas, Hammarbyfotboll, and Caabase.
Kyra Cooney-Cross was rocking Adidas sportswear. Photo Credit: Instagram.
Outside soccer, she enjoys the seaside, yoga, and travelling. At the time this biography was written, the versatile player was a complete antidote to living an expensive life. It is perhaps too early in her career to start showcasing any form of wealth or expensive lifestyle.
Kyra Cooney-Cross Family Life:
The Australian soccer player has always spoken openly about her family’s impact on her life and soccer career. Also how they have helped shape her into the player and person, she is today. She adores them and does not hesitate to talk about their support.
Kyra Cooney-Cross Father:
The athlete’s dad, Jai Cross, was a former high-level footballer in Queensland. He is a very proud father who first introduced his daughter to soccer. We don’t have much information about him, but we know he was present in Kyra Cooney’s life during her early career.
Also, he was his daughter’s first teacher and trainer. He provided her with the support, encouragement, and guidance she needed to strive career-wise.
Additionally, Jai played a crucial role in instilling values such as perseverance, discipline, and sportsmanship in Kyra’s life. He helped her develop both as an athlete and as an individual.
Kyra Cooney-Cross Mother:
Jessica Cooney is a single mother who worked hard to support her children. She studied occupational therapy while seeking employment. Despite the challenges, she drove Kyra 90 minutes to and from Melbourne five times a week for football.
Jessica’s dedication and sacrifices played a crucial role in supporting Kyra’s football journey. Also, she was a mother who prioritized her daughter’s education, health, and overall development, fostering a balanced approach to sports.
Kyra Cooney-Cross Siblings:
Based on research, she has three younger sisters. Although no documentation exists about them, one thing is, however, that she keeps the information about her siblings private. It will not be surprising if Kyra Cooney’s sisters learn from her dedication, work ethic, and passion for the sport.
Untold Facts:
In the concluding section of Kyra Cooney-Cross’s Biography, we’ll unveil intriguing facts you might not know about her. So, without delay, let’s dive in.
Kyra Cooney-Cross FIFA:
Like Julia Grosso, Nigerian-Canadian star Simi Awujo, and Sura Yekka, Cooney-Cross demonstrates exceptional passing ability, vision, composure, and strong defensive skills. She holds the status of one of the top players in women’s football in Australia. Despite her talent, she continues striving for improvement and holds an overall FIFA ranking of 75.
Based on her FIFA, Balance, Positioning, and Short passing are her biggest strengths. Photo Credit: FIFA 22
Kyra Cooney-Cross Dog:
Like many other footballers, Cooney-Cross chose to own dogs for reasons known only to her. Additionally, owning a dog can promote an active lifestyle as a footballer. She engages in outdoor activities such as walking or playing with their dogs. Footballers like Fran Kirby, Arsenal’s Beth Mead, and Belgian’s Tessa Wullaert have and love dogs.
Off the field, the athlete finds joy in the company of her loyal four-legged friend. Meet Kyra Cooney-Cross dog. Photo Credit: Instagram
Kyra Cooney-Cross Religion:
The Australian Midfielder has not revealed any affiliation with any ideological group. Still, according to our estimation, she is likely to be Christian, which makes up approximately 43.9% of the Australian population.
EndNote:
The athlete’s full name is Kyra Lillee Cooney-Cross. She was born to her mother (Jessica Cooney) and father (Jai Cross) in Herston, Queensland, Australia, on February 15, 2002. Kyra is the eldest of the four girls born to her parents.
Cooney-Cross is of Australian nationality and is of Aussie ethnicity. Additionally, Kyra started playing football at the age of six with the help of her father. The Sports Queen’s career started with FFV NTC before going on a trial with Mini Matildas at age 14.
According to our research, the net burster had her elementary education in Herston, Queensland. Also, she attended Ballarat High School for her secondary studies. She played soccer alongside her education in high school because of her passion for the sport.
Kyra Cooney-Cross represents her country internationally and is a role model to upcoming players. In addition, she started her youth career on August 2016 and made her senior team debut in June 2021.
Since the beginning of her career, Kyra Cooney-Cross has had a career spanning Ballarat City, Melbourne Victory, and Western Sydney Wanderers. As I conclude this Bio, she is a midfielder for Hammarby IF, a club based in Stockholm, Sweden.
Appreciation Note:
We sincerely appreciate your taking the time to read our version of Kyra Cooney-Cross’s biography. Truth and fairness are important to us in the constant routine of delivering Asian-Oceanian Football stories. Interestingly, Cooney’s Bio is part of our collection of Australian footballing stories.
If you come across any inaccuracies in this memoir of the Hammarby IF Net Burster, please leave a comment. Moreover, if you have any remarks regarding the Australian ‘hungry’ teen sensation, kindly let us know in the comments area. We value your opinions.
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