Arsenal midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross is preparing for her return to Emirates Stadium, an emotional milestone following the death of her mother, Jess, from cancer. Cooney-Cross has been navigating her grief "one day at a time," finding a crucial outlet and sense of purpose through her continued dedication to football.
Cooney-Cross, who has earned 63 caps for the Australian national team since breaking in at 19, spent six months away from the game. During this period, she trained rigorously in Australia, balancing one-on-one coaching and gym work. This routine served as both a physical preparation and an emotional escape from her personal loss.
"I did it because it was also an escape. I felt more free and like I could escape from everything that was going on off the pitch," Cooney-Cross stated. "I also did it because I knew that's what mum would want and I wanted to come back this season and be as fit as possible."
She described Arsenal's support during her absence as "amazing," highlighting regular check-ins from head coach Renee Slegers and director of women's football Claire Wheatley. Teammates Alessia Russo and Taylor Hinds also provided significant emotional support. "That's when you need people and those that love you and care about you will be there for you," she reflected.
While initially sad to leave her family, Cooney-Cross felt ready to return to the club. She acknowledged the necessity of making that difficult decision, expressing gratitude for the smooth transition back to the team environment, aided by the people around her. "I've been distracted, I've been supported and it's been a really smooth transition. I've got good people around me."
Cooney-Cross was an unused substitute in Arsenal's season opener against Brighton. She hopes to honor her mother, whose last stadium appearance was at the Emirates, by playing well and bringing joy to her family during this difficult time. "She was always the best at sending messages and I read this one [text] message before every game. The way she writes is so beautiful. I think a lot about how I go about life. I think about what she would say or do," Cooney-Cross shared. "A lot of my purpose is because of her and my drive, but even more so now. I just want to play and do really well for her and bring joy into the sadness of my family."