Over the years our school has had a number of students who have excelled in their chosen sport and gone on to play at an elite representative level.

Through dedication, commitment and perseverance, they are perfect examples of the saying “hard work pays off”.

This week we are going to focus on one individual who has not only had amazing success in her sport, but is also a wonderful ambassador for our school as she is a great team player and always encouraging to those around her.

Sophie, currently in Year 11, loves to play many different sports. She made the school teams in Oz Tag, Soccer and Touch Football. She loves to be involved in the game, trains hard and play hard.

Her passion is cricket. She has been playing cricket for 12 years and is an exceptional bowler.

Last year, Sophie not only made the NSWCIS Secondary Girls Cricket team who then played in the NSW All Schools Secondary Cricket Championships, but then was also selected in the U18 Girls NSW Cricket team who toured England, Wales and France. This was a wonderful experience for Sophie who played a number of games against English county teams as well as the Wales National B Team and English Cricket Board Development team.

Sophie again has kept up her amazing form by selection for the second time in the NSWCIS Secondary Girls Cricket team, but unfortunately the NSW All School competition did not go ahead due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Recently I asked Sophie a number of questions that gives us an insight into her love of cricket:

When did you start playing cricket? I started playing Milo cricket as a 5 year old (which is where you just learn basic skills) and then I played an Under 9’s competition as my first proper cricket.

What or who inspired you to begin playing? My brothers, Ben and Lachy – I used to attend their games and go with them and mum and dad to their rep cricket carnivals around NSW.

How often and how long do you usually train for? I attend organised Club training in Sydney once a week, plus I also have separate private training sessions with my State Academy coaches and my dad.

What is your favourite training skill to practise? I love bowling at my teammates in the nets (especially on a bouncy pitch!)

Who’s your favourite player? Ellyse Perry at National level and at Club level, my team mate from Northern District (and the Sixers), Lauren Smith.

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far? A toss up – getting out Australian player Rachel Haynes playing First Grade for Northern District in the Sydney Women’s Comp or playing the Under 15 ACT/NSW Country team that won the Under 15 Nationals at Adelaide in 2016.

What do you want to achieve next? Being picked for the ACT/NSW Country team for the Under 19’s Nationals and hopefully getting a contract to play professionally after that.

What is your advice to other athletes in relation to training and their goals? Training - train as if it’s the game. Goals - having an end goal in the back of your mind is a good thing, but still playing in the moment and for your team will help you achieve that goal.

As you can see, she has had a phenomenal experience so far in cricket, not just due to her natural talent, but also to the dedication and time that she has put in to training her strengths and weaknesses. Sophie is a great inspiration to all athletes of our school, as having a goal and training hard to achieve it is very important.

We are excited what the future holds for Sophie and we wish her all the best for her future endeavours in one of the greatest and most popular sports in Australia.