Source: Radio New Zealand
New Zealand’s Grace Wisnewski in action during the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2019. Photosport
After time out of the game with serious injury and to focus on her mental health, Grace Wisnewski is falling back in love with football.
The Football Fern has just returned to Aotearoa as the Kiwis prepare to take on the Matilda’s in a two test series in Australia.
Following stints with the Phoenix and US club Lexington SC, Wisnewski joined FC Nordsjælland in Denmark earlier this year, where she has rediscovered her passion for the sport.
“I love the coaches, the staff and the team and and I think the way that they play football is very much kind of my style and I’m just loving it over there. For now I think it’s the best place for me to be and develop as a person and as a player.”
It had been a tough road back for the midfielder.
“I did my ACL and coming back from that was a bit challenging and then I was playing in America, which was challenging. But I’m very happy playing in Denmark right now and with the way I’m performing on the field, so hopefully I can implement that here.”
The 23-year-old took a break from the sport in 2022 to focus on her mental health.
“It’s important to look after yourself and some things are much bigger than football. I don’t regret taking my time off and I think that it did me the world of good. I think I’ve learned a lot about myself in the past couple of years and I feel like it’s helped me a lot on the field as well.”
Wisnewski commended fellow Football Fern Macey Fraser for her decision to also take time away from the game.
“It’s huge. I think it’s a massive part of the game and I guess people don’t talk about it as much, but when you’re happy off the field you can see it in your performance on the field. I have full respect for Macey for taking that time and and I hope it’s the best thing for her.”
While the conversation around mental health and athletes has become far less stigmatised, Wisnewski said more can be done to support players.
“I think it can definitely be spoken about more. I think people are more comfortable maybe taking a break, but I still think there’s a lot of room for improvement in speaking about it and being open to taking the break and looking after yourself.”
Wisnewski is set to play her first match for New Zealand since 2023 as the 15th ranked Australia and a returning Sam Kerr host the 33rd ranked kiwis.
“It’s always nice to come close to home and play against Australia. It’s little bit of a derby match.”
She has two internationals to her name, both which came in consecutive losses to the United States.
“I also feel like I’ve been around forever. I’d love to get some more caps. I’ve struggled a bit with injury the past couple years, which has been hard. But, I’m feeling good at the moment and I’m excited to be back and fit and hopefully get some more games under my belt. I love being a part of this team and I want to help this team as much as I can and try and be in those squads for World Cups and Olympics is definitely a goal of mine.”
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – JANUARY 17: Grace Wisnewski of New Zealand in action during a game between New Zealand and USWNT at Sky Stadium on January 17, 2023. Photosport
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
