Matildas superstar Kyra Cooney-Cross has had a mammoth 12 months. From the whirlwind that was the 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup to signing with Arsenal FC, one of the top club teams in England's WSL. At just 22, the Queenslander has already had a career that most can only dream of. And this is just the beginning.

We spoke with Cooney-Cross ahead of the start of the new WSL season in September. For her, a typical day is varied. Whether its a match day or not, relaxation is key. Her wellness rituals include reading - with a current penchant for Colleen Hoover - and continuing to make memories with her best friends.

Below, Cooney-Cross shares with us her favourite style of workout and the advice she wants to share with other young people.

What’s the first thing we should know about you? And what’s something you wish more people knew about you?

That when I get to know and care about someone I will do anything to help them.

Would you describe yourself as an introvert or extrovert?

I am an introvert with new people but my friends would say I am an extrovert.

You've had such an incredible career already. What are you most excited for in the future?

I am excited to continue to develop my football. There are so many great players that I get to work alongside and I know every year I learn something that I can add to my game.

I am also excited to continue making memories with some of my best friends.

When you're training for an important match, what does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day means waking at 8am and heading down for breakfast. I usually have a brekkie smoothie or sometimes eggs. Following breakfast, we usually have a team walk to get our legs moving.

Then it's time to get ready for a team meeting and during that period some players might need strapping from the physios. After the team meeting, if it is a night match, I will sometimes take a light nap before the pre-match meal. For me before an important match I try not to think too much about it and just relax in my preparation.

What’s your favourite style of workout? Do you lift weights? Pilates? Running?

For me it is the gym because it can be quite relaxing and allows my brain just to focus on the movements I need to perform.

What do you do to keep yourself healthy and well? How do you support your body and immune system, particularly during times of stress?

To keep healthy, I like to be around the people I care for. Having the chance to just relax and laugh is a good way to destress.

Do you have any wellness rituals? What are they?

I usually like to read a book and listen to music at the same time. I am currently reading some of the novels from Colleen Hoover.

Who are your personal heroes?

My hero is my Mum. She has made so many sacrifices to allow me to be where I am today. She is one of the strongest people I know.

What is your proudest achievement?

There are a couple of achievements that I am proud of but one that really stands out is being a part of a team that not only performed so well in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, but also helped change how women are seen in sport.

That tournament was a real turning point for me and seeing how we as a team could come together. To see the reaction from Australia and also how women in sport have been given greater respect makes me really proud to be a part of that moment.

What advice would you give to young people who aspire to play sports professionally?

My advice is really simple; work hard and have fun. One will put you in the best position to continue to develop as a player and the other will be important when there are hard times and hard moments.

Kyra Cooney-Cross is an ambassador for Athena Sports Nutrition. For more information visit athenanutrition.com.au