It’s been nearly 18 months since Rebekah Stott’s cancer diagnosis cut her first stint at Brighton and Hove Albion short.
Now in remission and nearing full fitness, the New Zealand international has rejoined the FA Women’s Super League club, signing a fresh two-year contract.
It’s the latest step on the 29-year-old’s inspirational journey back to the top of her game.
It’s been just over 12 months since Stott announced she was in remission after her cancer diagnosis in early 2021, after playing just eight games for Brighton prior to returning to Australia for treatment.
Stott underwent a four-month stint of chemotherapy in Melbourne, eventually returning to football via NPLW Victoria side Bulleen Lions in mid-July. Stott would then rejoin Melbourne City ahead of the 2021-22 Liberty A-League season, playing 13 games and eclipsing best friend Steph Catley as the club’s all-time record ALW appearance maker.
In the midst of the 2021-22 domestic campaign, Stott returned to the international fray with a 16-minute cameo off the bench in New Zealand’s clash with Iceland in the SheBelieves Cup on February 8, 2022 – just four days shy of the one-year anniversary of her Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis.
Now Stott’s back at Brighton ahead of the 2022-23 WSL campaign – and head coach Hope Powell is delighted to have seen her star centre-back come full circle.
“The circumstances around Stotty’s departure in 2020 were really difficult for everyone, no one more so than for her,” Powell said in a club statement. “She had only been with us for a short period of time, but was already a popular member of the squad before she headed back to Australia for treatment.
“We were all absolutely delighted and relieved when we found out her treatment had gone well and that she was on the mend.
“Now she’s back to full fitness and wants to have a proper go at the WSL and we are happy to have her back. Taking the emotions out of the signing, we know we’re getting a really good player with proven international experience and a knowledge of the league.
“We’re really looking forward to working with Rebekah again.”
Stott added: “I’m so stoked to be back, I can’t wait to get started with the girls. I really feel like I’ve got some unfinished business.
“It was definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever been through in my life. A lot of ups, and a lot of downs – probably more downs. But I had a lot of support and I got through it, and here I am now a year later – and I’m healthy again.
“It’s always hard to leave home, but I’m stoked to be back here in Brighton. I just can’t wait to get started.
“When I was officially diagnosed I was in Australia sitting in hotel quarantine, but the process to be diagnosed was so long, so I kind of was just relieved once I finally knew what it was, so I could start with treatment and get better.
“It’s been along journey to try and get back to full fitness… I’m getting a lot stronger a lot fitter. It has been very hard but I finally got there.”
