Mary Boio Fowler took to the field in Australia's top soccer league as a 16-year-old and was soon in the spotlight for her talent and drive to succeed.
For club or country, her prophet-like ability to read the play, pinpoint passes, and gift for finding time and space where neither seem available, have made her a star.
She has represented her country in the Olympics and at the FIFA Women's World Cup, and at age 22 has taken a leap of faith with two new projects.
Fowler was born in Cairns. Nido, her mother, hails from Kira Kira in Papua New Guinea, and her father Kevin is from Dublin, Ireland.
An influential figure on and off the field, Fowler has shown great courage in sharing her challenges and vulnerability in her new book, Bloom.
On her 17th birthday, she signed with French club Montpellier. In Bloom, she opens up about struggles with mental health, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, and has spoken out about blatant racism faced early in her career.
Today, Fowler is a star and fan favourite at Manchester City, and a key member of Australia's high successful Matildas side.
She hopes that by sharing her experiences she can be a part of normalising speaking up, asking for help and seeking support, particularly among young people.
In a celebration of women's empowerment, sisterhood and beauty, this year Fowler also further cemented her position in the fashion sphere, heading to France to make her Paris Fashion Week debut.
Fowler's appearance marked the first professional footballer, and first L'Oréal Paris brand ambassador in Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand, to walk the Paris Fashion Week runway.
Her presence on the runway was another significant achievement for the Matildas star.
Reflecting on her debut, Fowler said she was thrilled to have been provided with the opportunity.
"Stepping onto the runway was an exhilarating experience and different from anything I've experienced on the football pitch," she said.
"To walk alongside such inspiring figures, representing L'Oréal Paris, reinforced my belief that beauty is about embracing who we truly are and the confidence that comes with it.
"I hope every young woman watching, especially back home in Australia, felt that sense of empowerment and is inspired to embrace their individuality and walk with pride, knowing they are worth it."
Fowler's role as brand ambassador and her participation on the runway was not only a reflection of greater diversity in the fashion world, but also a recognition of her standing in sport and beyond.
Not her first fashion foray, Fowler has fronted the cover of Marie Claire magazine's Woman of the Year edition and even had Barbie doll created in her likeness.
While she is currently recovering from a serious knee injury and is expected back in action in January ahead of the Asian Cup, Fowler's reputation off the field is growing.
She has been named in Forbes Australia 30 under 30 list, and more recently announced as one of CommBank's new brand ambassadors.
By showing that even those seemingly on top of the world can face personal struggles, Mary Fowler is working to create safe spaces for others to speak up and get the support they need. Her energy and dedication on and off the field is an inspiration to all.
