Elite Female Athletes As Role Models

Recently, Queensland Cricket caught up with Amy Milgate, a nine-year-old junior player from Wilston Norths Junior Cricket Club.

Last term, Amy wrote a biography on her favourite cricket player and role model, Jess Jonassen.

“I chose Jess because she’s my favourite cricket player, and she was the first ever one I’ve ever met in person.”

In her biography Amy wrote: “Cricket might not be a popular sport for little girls, but Jess Jonassen has influenced little girls like me to play…Jess Jonassen teaches little girls to keep improving and try new things.”

In the 2023-24 season to date, Queensland has seen an overall increase of 20% in the number of girls playing Woolworths Cricket Blast. There has been a 2.6% increase in girls playing junior cricket across the state this season too.

One of the most important factors that has a high impact on growing the number of women and girls who participate, volunteer or engage with sport in some way are role models. Specifically, female high performance and professional athletes.  These athletes provide evidence that success in an activity is attainable, help counteract negative stereotypes, and represent possible future states.

On hearing about the biography, Jess remarked that she was really chuffed, and it was the first time she’s had a biography written about her (that she knows of!).

As a kid JJ’s cricket heroes were male, as “at the time that was all I saw”.

However, as Jess’ career progressed there has been a huge shift in the growth of women’s sport.

“I first started playing when I was 10 and was one of very few girls who played. Now the level of all girls competitions, the WBBL, the quality of competitions, the media exposure, and just the amount of fans who come to a game, its grown massively.”

On inspiring a younger generation of girls to play sport Jess expressed “Its incredible the amount of strong female role models around the country, and even the globe at the moment. Its something that makes me really proud to be a woman.”

For younger elite players like Sianna Ginger, connecting with and meeting a diverse range of people from all around the nation was what prompted her interest in the game.

“I am now lucky to call these people my lifelong friends”, she said.

Being able to witness firsthand the impact of cricket on young girls, as they look up to and idolize players, brings the most satisfaction for Sianna in her role in the Queensland Fire.

“Knowing that our efforts contribute to fostering a love for cricket among young girls is truly fulfilling.”

To Sianna, #InspireInclusion means creating an environment for all people to be comfortable and succeed in. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, we can create a space where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

The profile of elite female athletes in cricket plays a crucial role in inspiring young girls to play and participate in the game. This influence extends beyond the field, shaping the future of the sport and fostering a more inclusive and diverse cricket community.

By celebrating diversity, promoting inclusion, and showcasing the talents of female athletes, we can inspire more women and girls to join the cricket community and create a brighter future for the sport.