Paige Zois is on the ball, juggling a career on the field and making her way through her final year of high school.

The soon to be 18-year-old has been playing football for more than half of her life and has fond memories of kicking the ball after school as her grandfather waited close by.

“I was very close to my grandpa, he used to pick me up from school and he would often let me play soccer with my friends after school whilst he waited patiently for me. He was my biggest supporter and my best friend and I often think about him before a game,” Zois told Neos Kosmos. 

The young midfielder made her way overseas to represent Australia with the under 16s and made her W League debut earlier this year with Melbourne Victory.

More recently however she found herself back where her love for football started, signing on with FC Bulleen Lions to play in the NPLW.

Zois talks about working her way up the leagues and pushing herself to be her best on and off the pitch.

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Paige Zois alongside her parents Photo: Supplied

What drew you to football?

In primary school I started playing soccer with the boys at lunchtime and I loved the game. Not long after I joined my first club and quickly realised that there was no more fun to be had than running around on a soccer pitch with your friends scoring goals. I looked forward to training and game days, they were the highlight of the week.

It’s game day, what do you do to get in the zone before the match?

I eat pasta and I think about some possible game scenarios and tactics. I usually can’t study and so I listen to music.

Top 3 training songs?

Heroes by Alesso, Show me love by Robin S and Bryan Adams’ Summer of 69.

What do you find most challenging about the game?

Transitioning from being a junior to playing in a senior environment and dealing with the challenges associated with developing in the game.  A challenge but at the same time enjoyable and rewarding.

What has been a highlight in your sporting career thus far?

I have been lucky to have a few special moments that will stay with me forever but some notable moments that I will always remember. Wearing the green and gold and competing in the under 16 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Championship in Thailand in 2019, making my Melbourne Victory debut playing at the inaugural Women’s AFC Champions league in South Korea in 2019 and making my W League debut in January of this year.

How has football impacted your life?
Since the age of eight it has been a huge part of my life and my way of life. It has provided me with experiences and opportunities at a young age that has taught me to be independent, develop a resilience and I have been fortunate to have made some amazing friends along the way.

What is something you learned about yourself through playing the game?

The game has helped me realise that I can achieve whatever I set my mind to, nothing is out of reach it just takes planning and a lot of hard work.

What do you hope to achieve in the next year?

I’m currently studying year 12 so I hope to do well in school and I’m looking forward to playing football this year, something I so dearly missed in 2020.

Paige Zois in action Photo: Gold Leaf Creative

What’s something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

That I actually enjoy studying and I’m a bit of a nerd.

Favourite way to unwind after a game?

Take a nap on the floor next to my cat Frankie.

What are you most looking forward to in 2021?

I’m looking forward to turning 18 and having an NPLW season this year and playing games each week.

What is something you want to be remembered by?

That I was a kind and courageous person and that I used my soccer to help and inspire others that everything is possible you just need to have the drive to achieve and belief in yourself.

What do you think is the biggest misconception of women in sport?

That women are less physical or skillful however when women are given the same opportunities and resources we can definitely match it.