19 MARCH 2025 | ISSUE 568 | FREE
GOULBURN RIVER & RANGES
KAYLA SHEPHERD CROWNED
CHAMPION PLAYER IN GOULBURN MURRAY WOMEN’S CRICKET COMPETITION
In a thrilling conclusion to the Goulburn Murray Women’s Cricket Competition, local star Kayla Shepherd has been honoured with the Champion Player trophy, a recognition that underscores her remarkable talent, dedication, and love for the sport. This achievement has not only made waves in the cricketing community but has also ignited a sense of pride among her hometown supporters. Upon receiving the prestigious trophy, an elated Kayla shared her thoughts on the recognition. “It’s really nice to receive it, and gives me a good lift to make me want to continue playing,” she said. This season saw Kayla return to the fold of competitive cricket after a brief hiatus, a journey made all the more poignant as she navigated motherhood with her two boys. “After having the boys, it was really nice to have the outlet of cricket again, and made me realise how much I loved playing,” she reflected, highlighting how the sport provided her with a much-needed balance in her life. Kayla's cricketing journey this season was sparked by a phone call from Goulburn Murray Cricket's president, Mugsy, who extended an invitation for her to join the team. “He asked if I’d be keen on playing this year or even a couple of games, particularly the first as they hadn’t beaten the Shepp side before and they had a new import,” Kayla explained. Though she initially agreed only to play a few matches, her experiences quickly reignited a fierce passion within her. “I couldn’t play the first round, but when I played the second game, I loved it so much I committed for the season and didn’t look back. I looked forward to every training and every game day so much,” she enthused, noting how the thrill of competition and camaraderie kept her motivated.
Throughout the season, Kayla delivered standout performances, including an impressive score of 52 not out against Rochester and several excellent bowling spells. Reflecting on the key factors behind her success, she emphasized the importance of enjoying the game. “Just enjoying cricket was vital for me. I felt so much enjoyment this year, and it made me love cricket a whole lot more because of the positive environment of our team,” she said, underscoring how the atmosphere of fun and support among teammates fostered an incredible team dynamic. “There was no malice, no pressure, and no abnormal expectations from anyone. We all played to have fun, and it showed.” For Kayla, cricket has been a lifelong passion, deeply embedded since her childhood. Her journey began at the young age of eight, when she started filling in for the local team while frequently attending her father’s matches. “I’ve always played since I could. I started out when I was about 8, filling in for the local team and watching cricket non-stop as my Dad played constantly,” she reminisced. This strong foundation laid the groundwork for her enduring affection for the sport. A pivotal figure in her cricketing career has been her grandfather, or "Pop," who instilled in her the fundamental values of enjoying the sport. “My Pop has played a big role in getting me playing and especially enjoying it. He’s very knowledgeable and talented, as well as passionate about sport, particularly his grandkids playing,” Kayla recounted. His supportive presence and relaxed approach turned him into a trusted mentor for her, offering advice while always encouraging her passion for cricket. This season also proved to be a turning point in her perception of the challenges women face in sports. Reflecting on her earlier experiences, Kayla acknowledged the changes in attitudes toward women’s cricket. “Not really any challenges this season. Women’s cricket is much better off now than when I started playing. I felt uncomfortable having people know I played cricket when I was younger because there was a bit of criticism that came with playing a ‘boys’ sport,’” she said,
emphasizing the progress made in creating a welcoming environment for female athletes. Looking ahead, Kayla remains optimistic about her future in cricket. “Just to keep enjoying it, and hopefully take the premiership out next year,” she expressed enthusiastically, revealing her aspirations for continued success on the field. Her commitment to the sport is unwavering, and she is eager to build upon her accomplishments in the upcoming season. Balancing her cricketing obligations with personal life is crucial, and Kayla credits her supportive fiancé, Jason, for making this possible. “He has our two boys when I play and is the biggest supporter when it comes to me and sport,” she shared, recognizing the importance of a reliable family support system. During training sessions, she often brings her boys along, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. “The girls are happy to help out as well as my two brothers, Brodie and Bryce, before they started footy training,” Kayla noted, revealing how her family and teammates contribute to her sporting journey. Inspired by her own experiences, Kayla hopes to encourage young girls entering the sport. “Just do it. Learn the absolute basics and rules first and go from there. The hardest part is starting, so if you just start, you’re already succeeding!” she advised, promoting a positive and inclusive approach to cricket. Kayla Shepherd’s extraordinary achievements and unwavering dedication to cricket illuminate not only her remarkable talent but also the progress made in the sport. As she prepares for the next season, her passion for the game and her desire to inspire others remain at the forefront of her career. With the support of her community, teammates, and family, there’s no doubt that Kayla will continue to make her mark in the world of cricket and serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.