Batting for women
The cricketer began her journey at the young age of 11 by pure coincidence and what first started out as a hobby with her brother in the backyard turned into a long time passion.
It is all sixes for Sandton Cricket Club team captain Karen Woest as she continues to reach new heights in her career.
The cricketer began her journey at the young age of 11 by pure coincidence and what first started out as hobby with her brother in the backyard turned into a long time passion. “When my brother broke his arm and could not play one of his games, the team asked me to help out because they were down a player. At the time it was just to fill up the 11 so that the team could play,” she said.
Woest has not looked back, playing for both her primary and high school teams. In primary school she played for the boys’ team and in high school she played for the girls’ team. “I found that while playing with the boys, I learned a lot more because boys’ cricket is of a high standard in comparison to the girls. But in saying that, when I moved to the girls’ team it was just starting out so I was able to teach and help them improve their skills.”
She continued her passion for the sport after school, playing for the national indoor action cricket team in Australia in 2015 and Dubai in 2017. Woest was recently selected to play for the national U21 indoor action cricket team at the World Cup in Melbourne, Australia. However, due to the coronavirus the World Cup has since been postponed to October.
But she continues her cricketing prowess and recently scored a double century playing for the Sandton Cricket Club. Her 201 not out came off 118 balls, a club record for the highest individual score. The young athlete remains committed to training and perfecting her craft with the hope of one day playing for the national women’s cricket team.
Unlike many female athletes, the cricketer has always embraced the male side of the sport. “I have always preferred playing with the guys because I am always learning. Men’s cricket is also a lot more competitive.” Similar to her journey, Woest encouraged young women in the sporting world to continue to embrace their passions and not let anything stand in their way.
“If you feel that you would wholeheartedly like to play the game, you should not ever be scared to try, even if it is in your backyard. Just pick up the bat or ball and start playing.”
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/259117/karen-woest-is-selected-for-sa/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/276189/crickets-lockdown-lessons/
