I grew up with cricket woven into the fabric of my life. My father and brother both played to a high level, and while I loved the sport just as deeply, there were no real opportunities for girls like me to step onto the field. Instead, I found my place on the sidelines, helping my mum prepare teas and learning to score matches. What started as simply being present grew into a passion and a craft, and I went on to spend over 20 years scoring the game I loved. Even when I couldn’t play, I stayed connected, proving that passion will always find a way to express itself.
As the game has evolved, so have I. With the growth of women’s cricket, I finally stepped onto the pitch myself, playing for Norton Oakes Women and Girls. A team I’m incredibly proud to be part of, especially given what we’ve achieved in such a short time. Now, my journey is taking another step forward as I prepare to join the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation as Head of Business Development. My goal is bigger than just the game. I want to help open doors, grow opportunities, and raise the aspirations of young people who may not yet see a place for themselves in cricket or beyond.
I don’t see myself as a role model, but I do understand the power of representation. Growing up as a Black woman, I often felt isolated, not seeing anyone who looked like me in the spaces I dreamed of entering. That absence can quietly limit what you believe is possible. So, if my journey shows even one young person in the Black community that they belong, that they can step into any space, pursue any dream, and succeed on their own terms then everything I’ve done will have been worth it.