On the pitch, she is focused on sinking goals — but Matildas superstar Mary Fowler says she is still figuring out how to handle being a household soccer name.
The Manchester City player first became a teen prodigy when she scored on her debut for Australia at just 15 but five years on and dribbling to the chorus of a nation’s cheers in a home World Cup, Fowler is still tackling fame.
“Having to be in front of a camera at a young age, I didn’t know how to deal with that properly, so I put on a mask of what I thought I needed to be,” Fowler said.
Reflecting on being a teen sports star, the athlete from Cairns said, “I was at an age — and am still at an age — where I am exploring myself off the field and exploring who I am as a persona and who I want to be.”
She admits the spotlight is the trickiest hurdle.
“Having to be in front of the camera, and having to be someone in front of the camera, when you don’t completely know who you are….was difficult for me,” she admitted on Channel 7 documentary Mary.
But she said hearing Aussie fans roar her name has put a spring in her step.
She was cool as ice as she banged home her penalty against France in an unbearable quarter-final penalty shootout.
“I love playing in front of a home crowd. When we play at home, the atmosphere is so much cooler than it is when we play in Europe,” she said.
At just 20, Fowler said she is it taking nothing for granted including playing the game’s biggest tournament on home soil.
“I just want to make really great memories. Being able to play in the national team is an honour and something that each time you get picked is an opportunity, but it is not guaranteed the next time,” she said.
Her mum Nido Fowler is confident her girl can tackle fame.
“I think Mary isn’t afraid to be herself. She doesn’t hold back. She wants to be Mary,” Nido said.
“I think a lot of kids seeing Mary making it has given them a lot of hope that “I can be somebody.” It doesn’t have to be soccer, but I can be somebody if I put in the work and get to where I want to get to.”
Her teen success left Mary’s grandad bursting with pride.
Kevin Fowler recalled her first national game where she scored on debut in an Ireland vs Australia game.
“Mary scored, that made the day but when the match was over, Mary came over to me. I gave her a big hug and kiss and she asked me if I wanted her jersey. Yes, I’d love it,” Fowler said.
“She took off her jersey and everybody was looking at me and there were photographers around. Oh, I was so proud. My grandchild and all the attention she is getting.”