Hailing from the small and remote town of Borroloola in the Northern Territory close to the Queensland border, Evans grew up enjoying bush life. 

"Growing up in Borroloola is very different from here in Sydney," she said.

"It's rural, there's nothing really much to do apart from playing football, going out hunting and fishing with my family and just enjoying the bush life."

Evans got her first taste of football when she joined other children in the community after school on the local oval to have a "kick about".

At that time, and sometimes still now, no one played in boots, they played with bare feet on the grass even when they played futsal on the concrete basketball courts.

However, at the age of nine, she became part of the Moriarty Foundation's John Moriarty Football Foundation, established by John Moriarty and his son James. John Moriarty was the first Indigenous footballer to be selected for Australia and is also a Borroloola local.

In 2015, needing more development to take her football to the next level, John Moriarty Football awarded Evans the programs first school scholarship. But it meant moving 3,000km away from her hometown and close-knit family to the big smoke of Sydney to attend Westfields Sports High School. 

Since then she's gone on to make her Young Matildas and W-League debut for Sydney FC with both being extremely important moments for the teenager.

Shay Evans with John Moriarty after her W-League debut. Taken by Stephanie Meek (@stephaniemeekphotography)

"It was very important for me to run out there, debuting for my country and representing my country and my people," Evans said.

"It was a very important moment for everyone to see that especially for my family and people back home.

"I was happy with my W-League opportunity.

"I was excited and nervous at the same time, it meant so much to me just going out and giving my best shot.