Abby is a new addition to the White Ferns, first selected in February 2009. She says she never thought she would make it to the top team and the day after her 32nd birthday she got the call saying she was in.
This Central Hinds player first started playing cricket in the backyard before progressing through the age group teams, finally making her first class debut in the 1997/1998 season, 11 years on she has finally made it to the White Ferns.
Abby’s biggest career highlight was being part of the Central team who won the State League for the first time in the 2005/06 season. “We were the first team to ever do that for Central,” Abby says. “Central was always down the bottom, so that would have to be a huge highlight. Debuting for the White Ferns at a World Cup was also awesome.”
She’s walking proof that you can achieve anything at any age and has some advice for those who want to become a White Fern. She says that you should never give up on ambitions. “I’m living proof of that. They just may happen when you lest expect it. Cricket is a game you get better at with age. Don’t give up, keep going.”
When Abby isn’t playing cricket she is a development officer at Hawke’s Bay cricket, heading around to schools and getting kids involved with the sport. She is also a qualified signh writer and also designs MG2 cricket bats.
Quick fire questions
1. Describe yourself in three words:
“Laid back, easy going, nice.”
2. What’s the best thing about the White Ferns? “
Everyone has a sense of humour!”
3. What’s your secret talent?
“I can wiggle my ears.”
Extras...
Club: Napier Old Boys Marist
Most memorable game: Lots but CD winning the State League is a fav
Greatest influence on career: Team mates
My favourite holiday destination is…as far from work as possible
The best advice I’ve ever received is… to relax, not to apply pressure to yourself
My favourite meal to cook is…me, cook??
My favourite food to eat is….anything that I didn’t have to cook
My sporting hero is….Paddles
My non sporting hero is…The Edge (U2)
When not playing cricket I love to…relax, listen to music, hang with friends
When I was young I wanted to be…taller
My biggest claim to fame is…winning an inter school high jump comp in primary school…HA!
If I won lotto something I would definitely buy would be…a round or two for my friends and family