Young Hayley Raso’s journey from a girl unaware that women could participate in World Cups and Olympics to becoming a trailblazer for aspiring athletes has been nothing short of inspiring. The 31-year-old CommBank Matilda was recently honored in Gosford after achieving the remarkable milestone of 100 appearances with the national team, with her centennial match occurring against Wales in October.
Raso’s story began on the Gold Coast, where she was raised by her mother, Renaye, alongside her two brothers, Lachlan and Jordan. Renaye was a supportive figure who encouraged Hayley to pursue her dreams before she even realized their potential. “She used to drive me to Brisbane every day from the Gold Coast for training,” Raso recalled in a 2019 interview. Despite her commitment, Raso struggled to break into the Brisbane Roar squad and eventually found her opportunity with Canberra, debuting in the A-League Women in 2011. Her impressive first season garnered attention from then-Matildas Head Coach Tom Sermanni, who called her into her first national squad in June 2012. In her debut against New Zealand, she notably won the corner that led to a crucial last-minute equalizer.
Reflecting on her early career, Raso admitted, “When I was growing up, I don’t think I knew how big women’s football was, and that there were World Cups and Olympics that we could participate in.” However, her debut ignited a passion within her, motivating her to reach the highest levels of the sport.
Raso made a significant mark on the national scene after scoring her first goal in 2014, which earned her a spot in the squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 in Canada. Although she was excited about the opportunity, she faced disappointment when she didn’t see any playing time during the tournament, and Australia was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Japan. This setback, however, drove her determination for the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
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Her ambition faced an unexpected hurdle when, in 2018, Raso sustained a severe back injury during a match with the Portland Thorns. She described the moment she was injured, detailing the agony and fear of possibly never walking again. “This injury was the worst pain I have ever felt in my entire life,” she reflected. After extensive medical evaluations, her neurosurgeon reassured her: “The bad news is that you’ve broken your back… but the good news is, you will play again.” Elated by the prospects of recovery, Raso embarked on a challenging rehabilitation journey, culminating in her national team comeback on February 28, 2019, when she scored against New Zealand—the same team she faced in her debut.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil presented another significant opportunity for Raso. She entered the tournament in top form, scoring twice in a crucial group stage match against Canada and contributing to Australia’s historic fourth-place finish. “To see how many people we’ve inspired, selling out crowds, having a World Cup in your own backyard – it’s incredible,” Raso commented, emphasizing the progress of women’s football over the years.
As she reached the milestone of her 100th appearance, Raso reflected on her journey, acknowledging the challenges while recognizing the profound honor of representing Australia countless times. “It’s like a family. I think that representing Australia is the biggest honour in the world. So to be able to do that 100 times, it’s pretty special,” she stated. The personal trials she faced, especially during her recovery from her back injury, contributed to her strength and determination, making her milestone all the more significant.
In her first game on home soil after reaching the century mark, Raso not only celebrated the achievement but also scored her 23rd international goal, underscoring her resilience and skill. As she continues to build her legacy, Raso’s story stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring young athletes, reminding them of the possibilities that lie ahead.
