Suné Luus

She's the captain of our women's national cricket team and a true inspiration to other women

- Savanna Douglas

Commitment towards her discipline is her catalyst for empowerment, says Suné Luus, the 2022 World Cup cricket captain, who, along with the national Protea women's cricket team, ranked second place in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in April this year. We chat to Suné to find out more about how she found her beginnings as an athlete, her proudest moments on the field, and where she draws inspiration from out there on the pitch.

WHERE DID YOUR LOVE FOR CRICKET START?

It all started with my dad. He first got me into mini-cricket when I was four and has been one of my biggest supporters ever since. He and my older brother would bat together when I was only a toddler and I would just follow their lead. My dad isn't a pro player himself but has always loved being involved. Having him as my first 'coach' definitely kicked off my cricket career.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST FIND A SENSE OF EMPOWERMENT IN PLAYING CRICKET?

I was only seven at the time! The only team available for me to join was a boys' under 10 squad but I wasn't perturbed, at all. In fact, I loved the challenge of competing at a different level than what I was used to. Showing everyone what I was capable of motivated me. Young Suné definitely felt empowered for being the only girl in a squad full of boys.

WHEN DID CRICKET A SERIOUS BECOME PURSUIT FOR YOU?