Olivia eyes the green and gold as she makes her mark in women’s cricket

Representative cricketer Olivia Maxwell is following in her father Neil’s footsteps

Olivia Maxwell batting for New South Wales v South Australia in the semi-final of the School Sports Australia (SSA) Tournament in Barooga, January 2018. Images by WinkiPoP Media

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You’re never too young to shoot for the stars; just ask Olivia Maxwell.

The Arden Anglican School student may only be in year seven, but the cricket star already dreams of one day playing for Australia.

“I have loved cricket for as long as I can remember,” she says.

“It started in the backyard watching my brother and dad playing cricket. I wanted to be a part of it.

“I’ve been surrounded by cricket my whole life.”

The game is truly in Olivia’s blood. Her dad Neil played for NSW, Victoria and the Australia A side.

After first picking up the sport at eight, Olivia quickly set about climbing the representative ladder.

Olivia is just as capable with the ball as she is with the bat.

She first represented the Combined Independent Schools Primary Girls cricket team at the NSW PSSA Championships in 2016 before being selected into the Cricket NSW under 13 Metropolitan Academy the following year.

Olivia says the best part about cricket is the teamwork and strategy involved.

“I enjoy being a part of a team.

“Cricket tests you mentally and physically. I really enjoy that it takes a long time to play. “You’ve got time to build an innings or work out how you’re going to get a batter out.”

Olivia is the latest nominee for the Northern District Times Local Sports Stars award.

The awards are on until August 31. Prizes will be awarded to athletes aged 18 and under across four categories: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual and Young Sporting Spirit Team. There is also an open-age Service To Sport category.

“Your Local Club is proud to support this program, which shines a light on elite young athletes and the volunteers,” ClubsNSW chief executive Anthony Ball said.

NewsLocal would like to thank our partners Your Local Club — the NSW registered club industry, and Featherdale Wildlife Park for their support in 2018.

Details: localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal