Libby Cybulski’s football journey is one of perseverance and passion. From competing in boys’ leagues to playing on the sport’s biggest stages, she has overcome challenges and embraced every opportunity. In this Q&A, she reflects on her proudest moments, the evolution of women’s football, and the resilience that keeps her moving forward.

How has women’s football evolved since you started playing, and what changes are you most proud of?
Women’s football has evolved drastically throughout my years growing up. When I was younger, I had to play in all boy’s comp for a “harder competition”, but now there are academy teams for younger females allowing them the opportunity to develop into better footballers. This is the change I am most proud of as they are allowing woman and young females to play at a higher standard and have access to more resources at a much earlier age, even in their junior years.

What was your most brutal knock, and how did you overcome it?
I became quite chronically sick at the end of grade 11 through to majority of grade 12 and having to rebuild my body to be able to play again.

As I was just starting to play for the opens as a 16-year-old it was a time that was so hard for me to come to terms with that I had been given an opportunity to play at a higher level and was not physically able to complete the season.

What would you tell your younger self if you could?
Never stop dreaming no matter what people tell you and keep pushing forward through all of the hardships you face. Also, all of those extra hours in the backyard practicing those touches will truly do help!

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?
The proudest moment of my career would be making the NPL women’s grand finale at Suncorp stadium. It is an experience I will never forget and am so proud of the team.

What inspired you to start playing football, and who were your role models growing up?
Starting at a young age of 6, I was inspired by the competitiveness of the game and the opportunity to be able to play a technical and fun game with friends. My role model was always Katrina Gory growing up, I think having someone who I was able to physically watch whilst she was at Roar allowed me to connect with her.

“Never stop dreaming no matter what people tell you and keep pushing forward through all of the hardships you face.”

Can you share a defining moment in your career that made you realize you belonged on the field?
It’s hard to pick one exact moment throughout my time in the field, as it is all the little special moments that you remember that makes you feel like you belong out there; the crucial tackles you make, the applause from the crowd and teammates, constructive feedback from coaches or appraisal from respected footballers. All of those moments remind you each time that you belong out there in the park.