The Globe-Trotting Goalscorer Forging Her Own Path
Rola Badawiya is a dynamic, American-born forward of Palestinian heritage whose non-traditional career path has taken her from NCAA dominance to the top flights of Italy, Portugal, and Australia. Standing at 1.73 meters, the right-footed attacker is defined by her athleticism, mobility, and a clinical, two-footed finishing ability that makes her a nightmare for defenders. A proven winner, Badawiya was a key member of Sydney FC’s historic 2022-23 double-winning squad and the 2022 NPL NSW Player of the Year. Now leading the line for Perth Glory, she has established herself as one of the A-League Women’s most seasoned and reliable goal-scorers, tasked with elevating her new club’s ambitions.
The Story So Far
Born in Riverside, California, Rola Badawiya’s reputation as a formidable attacker was forged long before her professional debut. At Martin Luther King High School, she was a phenomenon, breaking the school’s scoring record in her senior season with an astonishing 45 goals and 34 assists. This dominance earned her a host of accolades, including the prestigious Riverside Press-Enterprise Player of the Year.
She seamlessly transitioned her prolific form to the NCAA Division I level. At Long Beach State, she made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the Big West All-Freshman Team. Her subsequent transfer to California Baptist University marked a period of explosive growth. In 2019, she led the entire Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in both goals (11) and game-winning goals (6), solidifying her status as a clutch performer. Her collegiate career, which included two All-WAC First Team selections, cemented her legacy as one of the program’s most effective forwards.
Following her decorated college career, Badawiya embarked on her professional journey, beginning in Europe with AS Roma in Italy’s Serie B. While detailed statistics from this period are scarce, the move provided crucial “overseas experience” that she has frequently cited as foundational to her development and leadership qualities.
Her arrival in Australia, however, was a testament to her resourcefulness. The move was not facilitated by a traditional agent but by a personal connection. Her partner, a member of the Sydney University men’s water polo team, made an initial inquiry on her behalf. Badawiya followed up with video clips, recognizing it as the “perfect opportunity to get my foot in the door.”
This unconventional approach paid off spectacularly. In the 2022 NPL NSW season with Sydney University, Badawiya was a revelation. She scored 13 goals, finished as the Golden Boot runner-up, led her team to the Premiership, and was crowned the NPL NSW Player of the Year. This “unbelievable campaign” served as the perfect springboard, proving her quality and earning her a professional contract with A-League Women powerhouse Sydney FC.
In her debut top-flight campaign during the 2022-23 season, Badawiya achieved the pinnacle of Australian club football. As a member of the historic Sydney FC squad, she won both the A-League Women Premiership and the Championship, making an appearance off the bench in the Grand Final victory.
The following season, she reunited with her successful Sydney University coach, Emily Husband, at the Central Coast Mariners. Handed a central role as the focal point of the attack, Badawiya flourished. She delivered a stellar campaign, scoring 8 goals in 24 appearances and leading the Mariners on an impressive charge to the semi-finals.
After a season back in Europe with SC Braga in Portugal’s top-flight Liga BPI, Badawiya returned to the league she had helped define. In August 2025, she signed a two-year contract with Perth Glory. The club specifically targeted her as the “proven goalscorer” and “serious attacking weapon” needed to lead their offensive line.
Style of Play & Tactical Analysis
Rola Badawiya is a dynamic and multifaceted central forward whose style is built on a foundation of elite athleticism and technical skill. Frequently described as “strong, mobile and quick,” her 1.73m frame provides a solid physical presence, allowing her to compete in duels, while her pace makes her a constant threat running in behind defensive lines.
Her standout technical attribute is her ambidexterity. Her former coach, Emily Husband, praised her “incredible ability off both feet,” a rare quality that makes her highly unpredictable for defenders and goalkeepers in one-on-one situations. She can shoot with power and precision from various angles, removing a defender’s ability to force her onto a “weaker” side.
This technical prowess is paired with a high level of tactical intelligence. She has demonstrated an ability to process scouting information and execute with precision, such as scoring with a “little chip” after being briefed on an opposing goalkeeper’s tendencies. Deployed as an offensive spearhead, her primary function is to provide “firepower” and be the team’s main offensive outlet, confirmed by her high shot volume at the Mariners. She thrives on quality service and exhibits excellent off-the-ball movement and communication, once describing herself as “screaming for” a pass she anticipated before scoring.
Beyond her on-field skills, Badawiya is recognized for her “winning mentality” and leadership. She brings a sense of maturity and responsibility to her squads, leveraging her diverse experiences in Italy and Portugal to guide her teammates.
Future Outlook
At 27 and entering her athletic prime, Badawiya’s two-year contract with Perth Glory signifies a commitment to being the focal point of an ambitious project. Having returned to Australia stating it “truly feels like home,” she is perfectly positioned to be a leader for her new club. With her proven track record as an A-League Women goal-scorer and her strong mentality, the expectation is clear: Badawiya is tasked with providing the goals and veteran leadership to propel Perth into a consistent finals challenger over the next two seasons.
The Trophy Case (Honours)
Individual
- NPL NSW Player of the Year (2022)
- NPL NSW Golden Boot Runner-Up (2022)
- All-WAC First Team (2019, 2020-21)
- United Soccer Coaches All-Pacific Region Third Team (2019)
- Big West All-Freshman Team (2017)
- Riverside Press-Enterprise Player of the Year
- High School League Offensive Player of the Year
- High School All-CIF Selection
Team
- A-League Women Championship (Sydney FC: 2022-23)
- A-League Women Premiership (Sydney FC: 2022-23)
- NPL NSW Premiership (Sydney University SFC: 2022)
The Record (Career Statistics)
| Period | Club/Team | Country | Level/League | Appearances | Goals |
| 2017-2018 | Long Beach State Beach | USA | NCAA Division I | 39 | 5 |
| 2019-2020 | California Baptist Lancers | USA | NCAA Division I | 34 | 18 |
| 2021-2022 | AS Roma | Italy | Serie B | N/A | N/A |
| 2022 | Sydney University SFC | Australia | NPL NSW | 22 | 13 |
| 2023 | Sydney FC | Australia | A-League Women | 9 | 1 |
| 2023 | North West Sydney Spirit FC | Australia | NPL NSW | 17 | 5 |
| 2023-2024 | Central Coast Mariners FC | Australia | A-League Women | 24 | 8 |
| 2024-2025 | SC Braga | Portugal | Liga BPI | 16 | 2 |
| 2025- | Perth Glory | Australia | A-League Women | 0 | 0 |