Grace Wilson (soccer)
Grace Wilson | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 4, 2005 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Soccer player |
| Known for | First professional Australian soccer athlete to publicly identify as non-binary |
Grace Wilson (born 4 March 2005) is an Australian soccer player who occupies the position of goalkeeper for the University of Maine.[1] They are recognized as the first professional Australian soccer athlete to publicly identify as non-binary.
Early life and education
Born on 4 March 2005, Grace Wilson's early years are documented in various sports profiles.[2]
Youth career
At the age of 12, Wilson earned selection by SAPSASA to participate in soccer training programs.[3] Their youth playing experience includes competing with teams such as Football SA U15 Girls,[4] followed by participation with Adelaide University SC.[5]
Club career
Wilson appeared in eight matches for Football South Australia NTC during 2021 when they were 16 years old.[6] Later that year, in December, they committed to Adelaide United for the 2021/2022 campaign.[5][6]
Following the conclusion of the A-League season in March 2022, Wilson assumed the role of primary goalkeeper and took on leadership responsibilities with FSA NTC competing in the WPNL (SA).[5][3]
In September 2022, they returned to Adelaide United under an amateur contract.[5]
By May 2024, Adelaide United confirmed Wilson's exit from the club.[7]
International career
In February 2024, Wilson earned selection as one of the 23 players representing the Young Matildas at the 2024 AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup, which took place from 3 to 16 March 2024 in Uzbekistan.
Recognition
On 8 October 2022, Wilson was honored with the Female Rising Star accolade for their outstanding contributions to Football SA NTC during Football South Australia's annual awards ceremony.
Personal life
Wilson's sibling has also taken on the role of goalkeeper.
Inspired by their family's encounters with cancer, Wilson chose to shave their head during their school years to support the Leukaemia Foundation, utilizing their social media platforms to raise awareness and funds. On that same day, their school community contributed more than , and Wilson generously donated their ponytail to the cause.
On 1 March 2024, Wilson made history as the first professional Australian football player to openly identify as non-binary, a significant event that received extensive attention across mainstream and LGBT media outlets. Adelaide United publicly affirmed their full support following Wilson's declaration. In a subsequent interview, Wilson described their gender identity as not aligning with conventional male or female classifications, emphasizing a personal experience of gender beyond traditional Western frameworks.
References
- ↑ "Grace Wilson". University of Maine Athletics. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
- ↑ "Grace Wilson Biography". ESPN. 7 March 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "'World's Grace-est Shave'". Football SA. 27 February 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ↑ "Player Statistics". GameDay. 18 August 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "United signs Jenna Farrow and Grace Wilson". Adelaide United. 21 September 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Grace Wilson". Adelaide United. 7 March 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ↑ "Reds Announce Liberty A-League Women Departures". Adelaide United. 9 May 2024.