In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), we sit down with Sophie Reid from the Victorian Women’s Cricket team on importance of wellbeing, and what it’s like to be part of the most successful national team in a decade.

“…we’re all about supporting dreams” - Sophie Reid and her dedicated team encapsulate and elevate the meaning of International Women’s Day, showcasing success gracing the cricket pitch as Australia’s female representatives.

In recognition of a day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of all women across the globe, we were thrilled to get to know Australian wicket-keeper Sophie Reid, first when she and her team joined us at Peninsula Hot Springs earlier this year. Now as we delve a little deeper, we chat about all things self-care, routine and wellbeing as well as what it’s like to be a role model for aspiring girls seeking empowerment in the world of sports.

getting to know sophie reid

How does participating in cricket contribute to your overall sense of wellbeing, both physically and mentally?

Being involved in cricket plays a big role in my wellbeing. On the field, you get to demonstrate your skills and the fruits of the labour you put in behind the scenes at training. That’s fulfilling when it goes to plan! My teammates are also a huge part of my mental wellbeing – we spend so much time together and I’m fortunate we have such a good group at Victoria. We’re there for each other off the field as much as we are when we’re playing.

As athletes, how do you prioritise self-care and relaxation amidst the demands of training and competition?

It can be really hard to switch off at times but the most important thing I’ve found is having hobbies and interests away from the game. Cricket is our job, so we take time away from our work just as other people do - time with family, pets, going out, all the usual things. You do have to be deliberate about switching off though – the game can be very consuming.

International Women's Day celebrates empowerment and gender equality. How do you feel sports like cricket empower women and promote inclusivity?

Cricket has led the way in Australian sport over the last 15 years in terms of the promotion of elite women’s sport. The sport has invested heavily with the government in improving community facilities and we’re seeing the results of that with women and girls’ participation continuing to grow. Our Australian women’s team has been the most successful national team in the last decade so there are wonderful role models to look up to for boys and girls.

Peninsula Hot Springs is renowned for its therapeutic experiences. How do you think incorporating wellness activities into your routine impacts your performance on the field?

It’s important to focus on wellness as part of our preparation – and something our support staff reiterate all the time. The opportunity to visit Peninsula Hot Springs was a great chance to do something different. I think variety is important – regardless of whether you’re an elite athlete or not!

What message do you hope to convey to young girls aspiring to compete at a professional level in a historically male-dominated sport?

I’d say there have never been more opportunities to pursue a pathway that supports what you might want to achieve in cricket. There is a place for everyone – whether you’re happy playing at the park around or the corner or want to play WBBL (Women’s Big Bash League) or for Australia, we’re all about supporting dreams.

international women's day

International Women’s Day takes place annually on 8 March and is a celebration of all women across the globe, the achievements they have made and the challenges they have faced and succeeded. It also marks a time to take action to accelerate gender parity and serves as a reminder of the progress made towards gender equality.

To all the women who have supported us, grounded us, and raised us – Happy International Women’s Day.