Tara Murray
Plenty Valley star Sophie Day’s hard work has paid off securing a state and a WBBL contract for this summer.
The top order batter and spinner was named in the Victorian squad in June, before earlier this month being named in the Melbourne Stars squad for the upcoming WBBL season.
She said it was pretty exciting to have earned both contracts.
Being part of the Victorian set up has allowed Day to continue training during the COVID pandemic and has given her an insight into a new world.
“Cricket Victoria has worked really hard, alongside the government to get us an exemption so we are able to keep on training,” she said.
“I was a nervous wreck at the start as I’ve only ever watched these girls on TV and I’m coming in the same dressing room as them, which is a pretty cool experience.
“I’ve been so lucky being in Victoria. They’ve got players who have played international cricket.
“I’ve been able to grow as a player and see where I want to be in the future and I kind of look up to them.”
Day said the likes of Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, Elyse Villani and Sophie Molineux had really shown her the way.
There was one familiar face among the group, with her Plenty Valley teammate Tayla Vlaeminck also part of the squad.
“She has been really supportive and she sent me a few messages before I came in on my first day and has shown me the ropes,” Day said.
“It’s been great to have her around. She’s a very determined person and one of the most hard-working players there.”
Having secured a state contract, Day was still shocked when she got the call to offer her a Melbourne Stars contract.
The competition which starts October 25 will be played entirely in a hub in Sydney due to COVID.
It’s a long way from Warrandyte where she started playing cricket with her dad in a father-sons [daughters] team.
“It’s pretty unreal for me to get this opportunity to be amongst a group of girls with such high playing standards and a really high competition.
“I think for me I’ve just got to come in and give it everything and make sure that I take in the experience and learn and take every opportunity I can.
“The Stars are definitely a side that has a really great mix of experienced players and up and coming players.
“Everything is new for me, but this experience is new for everybody. I think it’s excitement among everybody and a bit of nerves to see what comes of it.”
While Day will be busy with her cricket commitments, she’s hopeful to get the chance to turn out for Plenty Valley in the Victorian Premier Cricket competition.
She’s been part of a core group of players that has seen the side make finals the past two seasons.
“I have loved playing at Plenty Valley and it’s a great group of girls and close to home for me.
“We started a few years ago working hard and we’ve been able to work as a group and we’re starting to see the rewards now, it’s really exciting.”
While many cricketers would dream of that next level of playing for Australia, Day isn’t looking too far ahead.
“I’m just trying to get a game now for Victoria and the Stars … take one step at a time and so far everything has fallen into place.”
