Former Test cricketer Stephanie Theodore to coach Barwon Heads Cricket Club’s women’s program

A Test cricketer from the 90s is one of many new players in the women’s game as the number of local teams has more than tripled in five years.

Steph Theodore for Coburg in November, 2017. Picture: Hamish Blair

It was one of the best cold calls Barwon Heads Cricket Club ever received.

About 12 months ago, one-time Test player and Essendon-based Steph Theodore sought a seachange and moved to Anglesea.

A regular visitor at Christmas time, or a long weekend, it was always part of the plan to relocate to the Surf Coast as retirement neared at Australia Post.

“We were always going to do it, we just didn’t know when,” Theodore said.

However, driving to Melbourne to coach and play with Essendon Maribyrnong Park several times a week last summer, the distance started to wear thin on the former Victorian cricketer.

“I loved coaching Premier League ... but the travel got a bit too much,” she said.

Theodore played her one and only Test against New Zealand in 1995 and last stepped out in Victorian colours against Queensland in November, 2001.

Settling into life in Anglesea, the 53-year-old would make contact with fellow Premier club Geelong who suggested she help guide the under-15s.

Steph Theodore batting for Victoria against NSW in January, 1997.

However, Theodore was more interested in coaching senior women and baulked at the opportunity.

Then, Theodore’s EMP assistant Nat Greco contacted the Seagulls, asking if they’d like to meet with her and talk about potential opportunities.

Barwon Heads president Steve Yates and a few other club representatives jumped at the chance and met Theodore for a coffee.

“They were fantastic, I loved their energy, loved their support,” Theodore said of that meeting.

“I loved where they were at and where they were going.

“And it was a lot closer to home. I can’t wait.”

Theodore is determined to inspire players and change their mindset and self-belief as captain and coach.

“One thing I was trying to introduce at ‘EMP’ was mindset, a lot of girls have so much ability, but when self doubt takes over, they don’t perform as well,” she said.

“I experienced that when I played at a high level, self doubt.

“Don’t overthink and enjoy it and have fun and trust their ability, I don’t want them to die wondering so to speak, have a crack.

Gloucestershire County player Rosie Grist will play for Newcomb & District Cricket Club. Picture: Newcomb & District Cricket Club.

“The more we can get involved the better, no matter what age group.”

Theodore’s involvement in local cricket comes as the Barwon Women’s Cricket Competition is set to boast 56 teams this year, with 37 in the Geelong region alone — a more than tripling of just 17 teams in season one of 19-20.

Meanwhile, at Newcomb & District, Rosie Grist will coach and skipper the Dinos’ senior women’s team.

Frampton product Grist has represented Gloucestershire at county level

With 841 registered cricketers last summer, the competition is planning for close to 900 players in 24-25.

Meanwhile, junior girl’s cricket has expanded to 34 teams this season, up from 19 five years ago.

Miki Monahan, chair of Barwon Women’s Cricket Competition, said the summer was looking at record numbers for participation yet again.

“You’d be sitting somewhere in that 850 to 900 people (in 24-25),” Monahan said.

“It’s a pretty big number in this region.

“We've added three teams (for this year).”

Steph Theodore bowling against Plenty Valley in November, 2017. Picture: Hamish Blair

She said the success of women’s elite competitions, including the Women’s National Cricket League, was perhaps a bigger reason behind the growth of junior girls participation.

Meanwhile, she said with the majority of clubs providing equipment, there were few barriers for older players to join.

“You don’t have to be the world’s most fit person to play cricket,” she said.

“It’s a really inclusive environment, regardless of your fitness level, we can find something that will work for you.

“The clubs actually went out and bought kits to start with, there’s not a lot of cost involved.

“For a lot of the women in our competitions, they’ve either children or partners playing, so they're already feeling like they belong to a club, but now they actually get to be a player and a paying member, as opposed to just a plus one.”

And for the first time a Geelong and Barwon region representative team will compete in late November.

Originally published as Former Test cricketer Stephanie Theodore to coach Barwon Heads Cricket Club’s women’s program