On her birthday, we catch up with former Westfield Matildas defender Kim Carroll (cap 133).
For almost a decade Kim Carroll was a regular fixture in the Westfield Matildas defence.
From Tully in North Queensland, the unassuming Carroll’s path to the national team was different to many of her city teammates.
At 15 years of age she moved to Brisbane for school and for football and it was a move that opened up the world for Carroll.
“In the end it was my decision, my parents left it up to me to move down, it was very hard being away from my family and friends at only 15,” she told matildas.com.au back in 2013.
I wouldn’t change anything though, it helped me grow and become independent so there were a lot of positives that came out of it.”
A momentous football positive was her debut for the national team against China back in January of 2005 at 18 years old.
“I came on for a short run at the end of a game as centre midfield,” Carroll remembered. “I was filled with excitement and nerves but couldn’t wipe the smile off face.”
It was a privilege and honour to be able to represent my country at something I love. Years of hard work and sacrifices by my parents and family, all paid back and more by being able to put on the green and gold.”
Throughout her Westfield Matildas career Carroll made 55 appearances including at three AFC Women’s Asian Cups and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011.
The defender has two goals to her name, one of which she scored in the Asian Cup against Korea Republic. She claims this as one of her favourite footballing memories, along with winning the Asian Cup in 2010 and the 2011 World Cup.
At club level, Carroll continues to be a key player in the Westfield W-League for her most recent side ,Perth Glory. The ten Westfield W-League seasons have seen her collect a Premiership and two Championships. Internationally she was part of Fortuna Hjorring in the Danish Elitedivisionen in 2011, where she was involved in the UEFA Women’s Champion’s League.
“Being able to travel the world, meet some amazing people and have my family support me around the world are some of my favourite things about football.”
Carroll is currently living and working in Perth as an Operations Manager but she’s still got her boots on, playing with the Northern Redbacks in the NPL.
With almost 20 years at the upper echelon of women’s football in Australia, Carroll is proud to see the Westfield Matildas helping take the game to the next level.
“Women’s football is constantly growing around the world, gaining more coverage and allowing players to concentrate purely on their football.
To host a Women's World Cup on home soil will hopefully elevate the game even further and inspire young girls and boys in Australia to participate and admire the Matildas.”
“It’s amazing, to now have the Matildas as a household names has been a long journey.”