Meet Paige Hayward, Western Sydney Wanderers’ newest recruit.
The 29-year-old is so new in-fact that the club only announced her signing to the public at 4pm on Tuesday afternoon.
But while she remains somewhat of a mystery woman to the supporter base, Hayward is certainly working fast to get acquainted with her new coaches and teammates since arriving from the Central Coast Mariners where she spent one season and played 24 games.
Before arriving in Wanderland, Hayward enjoyed an eclectic career which has included stints in the United States, Austria and Adelaide.
But it’s at the Wanderers where this Sydneysider is feeling right at home.
“My parents are originally from Sydney and I grew up in Earlwood near Sydney Airport, so the Wanderers is a step closer to home,” Hayward told the Weekender in her first interview as a Wanderer.
“My manager was speaking to the coach (Robbie Hooker) and coming here felt like the right move for me. I’m really enjoying it here so far. I get to play my style, which is nice, and the Wanderers have a very similar style to me, so it’s been easy to ease into it.”
Born in Sydney, Hayward spent time in the US College System, playing with the University of Texas, before transferring to Texas Southern University.
In three seasons with the Tigers, Hayward scored 25 goals, including bagging 13 goals and five assists in the 2016 campaign.
During that time, she also spent a period with the Houston Aces in the United Women’s Soccer League, while also being invited to be a part of NWSL team Houston Dash as a non-roster invitee.
Hayward moved to Austria to play for FFC Vorderland in the ÖFB-Frauenliga, scoring once in her five appearances for the club.
She then moved back to Australia to link up with Adelaide United, playing 26 matches for the South Australians across multiple positions.
While Hayward said she’s happy to be back home in Sydney, her time spent overseas was the making of her and she considers it one of the best experiences of her life.
“It was unreal!” she admitted.
“Honestly, it took my game to the next level. At 17, I thought I was doing well but then I got over there, and it was like starting all over again.
“My coaches worked with me on things, they pushed my fitness levels and built on my good attributes. It opened my eyes to a whole other world that I’ve never seen before.”
This Sunday afternoon in Cessnock, the Wanderers will take on the Newcastle Jets in the opening round of the 2024/25 A-League Women’s season.
After missing out on the Finals by the skin of their teeth last season, Western Sydney are more determined than ever to have a year to remember.
“It’s always the goal to make Finals,” Hayward said.
“If we keep pushing at those little things then the end goal will become a lot easier.”
On Tuesday, coach Hooker said Hayward is someone who he thinks can have a great impact on the team defensively, but also on the younger members of the squad.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.