Q&A - Bryony Smith & Danielle Gregory

Bryony Smith Danielle Gregory

Q&A WITH BRYONY SMITH & DANIELLE GREGORY

For this edition of SKQ, we have had the pleasure of spending some time with Bryony Smith and Danielle Gregory; two rising stars in the world of women’s cricket. Both play professionally for the South East Stars and have taken the time to give us a bit of an insight into life as a pro cricketer, how they motivate themselves and provide some useful tips for those interested in a career in cricket.

SKQ: Can you tell us a bit more about what you do? Bryony: I’m a professional cricketer for the South East Stars. This is my fourth year as a pro cricketer, having spent two years with England and now on my second with the Stars.

Danielle: I am also a professional cricketer for the South East Stars. I have been part of the Stars since its establishment in the summer of 2020, with my first two seasons playing on a Paid-to-Play basis. This September I was offered a professional contract, progressing my cricket career in a direction I could have only dreamed of. Alongside this, I am a full-time Masters student, studying Sports Performance Analysis at the University of Chichester. This Postgraduate degree has opened up the opportunity to undergo a year long placement at Surrey County Cricket Club working closely with the Men’s 1st and 2nd XI squads. Furthermore, I am also a coach in the Surrey CCC County Age group girl’s pathway and for the Rikki Clarke Cricket Academy. SKQ: What do you most enjoy about your role? Bryony: Getting to play the sport I love with some of my best mates! You can’t beat the feeling of winning when you have witnessed how hard people have worked to get to that point of li ing a trophy.

Danielle: I am fortunate enough to be involved in women’s cricket during a pivotal time when media exposure of the sport is constantly evolving. As a result, I have a large responsibility to actively inspire the next generation of cricketers, both boys and girls. I enjoy the challenge of developing and learning new skills, testing my abilities and my way of thinking to adapt and overcome the test. Finally, I enjoy showcasing my skills on the pitch, contributing to a South East Stars win and making the team, my family and my friends proud.

Bryony driving through the covers

Line and length from Danielle

BRYONY SMITH & DANIELLE GREGORY

Danielle: I am extremely passionate about pursuing a career in cricket. Ever since I picked up a cricket bat at the age of 10 and was lucky enough to join the Surrey CCC CAG pathway at 13, I have longed to become professional in the sport. Now that I have achieved that, it feels like only the beginning of my journey. I am an extremely driven individual and want to continue challenging myself, my ideas, and my philosophies to reach the top of my game and play cricket at the highest level. I luckily have a family who are also extremely passionate about cricket and they regularly push me in my endeavours, helping to keep me motivated and positive even when I face minor setbacks.

Bryony: It is hard at times! I look back at previous seasons and successes and remind myself how good it feels to do well and make those around me proud. Cricket is a sport where you will probably fail more than you succeed, so it is hard to stay motivated at times but the support I have from family, friends, teammates etc keeps me going through the tough times.

SKQ: What suggestions would you have for younger people wanting to become a professional cricketer? Bryony: Enjoy what you do! If you stop enjoying it then it will affect how you perform. I know that I play my best cricket with a smile on my face. Also to take every opportunity handed to you and give everything a go as you never know what is going to happen!

Danielle: To keep chasing their dreams. You never know what awaits around the next corner, so keep pursuing your goals. Continue to work hard and challenge yourself; the only way to progress and get better is to make mistakes – you’ll learn more from failure and experimenting than you will from succeeding from the start. And finally, keep asking questions.

SKQ: Would it have been important for you to have learnt about personal finance at school?

Bryony: Yes! We didn’t learn about money in school at all really. It would definitely have helped me in a few things if I had known more about money (e.g. taxes etc) and how I should approach certain things to do with my money. Danielle: Yes. The big wide world and money management can be quite daunting with no education to guide you. I have been lucky enough to go to University, where I have been thrown in at the deep end and experienced money management first hand. Financial education at school would give younger generations the appropriate skillset to effectively manage their money, enabling them to plan for their future, ensuring financial security.

SKQ: How do you deal with disappointment? Bryony: It took me a long time to find this out growing up. But over the years I have learnt not to be too hard on myself and to accept that I am going to fail sometimes. I remind myself that cricket is just a game and it is not the end of the world if I don’t score runs or if I drop a catch!

Danielle: Setbacks are a natural part of progression. I adopt a growth mindset using my hard work and determination to recognise the setbacks and develop strategies to overcome the challenges. I also use others’ input, e.g., from coaches, fellow teammates and family members to support me through disappointing periods.

SKQ: What would you now like to have known that you didn’t know before? Bryony: That it’s ok not to be ok! Professional sport is really tough and if you are struggling with things it’s ok to talk to people and it’s not a sign of weakness. People think that being a pro athlete is amazing and it is, but we have to go through and put ourselves through things that others don’t and it does take a toll on our bodies and our minds.

Danielle: This quote from Dr Seuss comes to mind “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory”. Take the time to enjoy all of the little moments before they become a distant memory. It is very easy to get caught up in a moment and before you know it is over, so take the time to step back and take it all in, cherish it and gain as much insight from it as possible before it’s too late.

SKQ: What is the best money tip that you have been given? Danielle: Look a er the pennies and the pounds will look a er themselves.

Bryony: Save it! I grew up and still am very stingy with my own money. If I don’t feel like I need to spend it I wont!