A family affair: The W-League star walking in the footsteps of giants

Talent runs deep in Jada Whyman's family, and it's the dedication of her family that she plays for every time she pulls on her Wanderers jersey.

Western Sydney Wanderers star Jad Whyman. Source: Eric Berry

Jada Whyman is one of the rising stars of Australian football.

A proud Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri woman, talent runs deep in her family.

Her uncle is former AFL star David Wirrpanda.

Her aunts are the Sapphires.

But her journey to becoming a professional footballer hasn’t been easy.

“We’ve moved seven times now, I think,” Whyman said.

“My siblings are in Year 4 and one of my brothers has moved five schools already.”

Western Sydney Wanderers' Jada Whyman Source: The Women's Game

Whyman was driven from Wagga Wagga to Sydney as a 13-year-old just to play football.

Her family has since relocated to Sydney.

“My mum and step-dad are a massive part of why I’m here; they’ve done everything for me to have this,” Whyman said.

“I play for my family, every time I put on my Western Sydney Wanderers and Australia shirt it’s for them.”

At just 17, Whyman is the first choice goalkeeper for the Wanderers in the W-League and the Young Matildas.

She hopes to emulate the success of her idol, Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams.

“Everything she’s done for Aboriginal communities and growing up in a rural area, look where she is now - one of the best shot stoppers in the world, it’s amazing.” Whyman said.