Bowled over: Sally’s unexpected sporting journey

When Sally arrived at Wesley College in Term 3, 2022 as a Year 9 boarder from South Korea, cricket wasn’t even on her radar. Three years later, she’s played 14 matches for the Girls’ First Cricket team, earned a prestigious ‘baggy purple’ cap and been recognised with the ROAR Sport Award for her outstanding contribution to team spirit.

‘I knew nothing about cricket when I started at Wesley!’ she laughs. ‘I just loved playing in the backyard with my friends in boarding.’

Acacia, Vice-Captain of the Girls First XI and fellow boarder, remembers those early days well. ‘I grew up playing backyard cricket with my dad and two brothers every summer and invited Sally to join our games in the Learning in Residence courtyard. I helped her learn how to bat and bowl and it wasn’t long before she was hooked.’

Since officially joining the Wesley girls’ team in 2024, Sally’s impact has been profound. Her infectious energy and unshakable positivity have helped shape a team culture built on support, enthusiasm and fun.

‘She’s the spiritual leader of the team,’ said Head of Cricket, Paul Montgomery. ‘She celebrates every moment, whether it’s her own success or someone else’s and lifts the mood, no matter what the scoreboard says.’  Sally’s unique spirit was formally recognised with the ROAR Sport Award - an honour she describes as ‘so meaningful’ and ‘a moment I’ll never forget.’

Sally’s proudest moment came when she took her first wicket - a milestone celebrated not only by teammates, but with a surprise ‘first wicket’ cake baked by a friend. ‘It was such a wholesome moment,’ she said. ‘It reminded me how far I’ve come.’

But the pinnacle of Sally’s cricket journey came in 2025, when the Girls’ First XI were awarded their first-ever baggy purple caps at the end of the summer season. A long-standing symbol of pride in the boys’ program, the cap now recognises the dedication, teamwork and development of the girls’ team. For the players, receiving the cap was both empowering and emotional.

‘Getting a baggy purple means so much,’ said Sally. ‘It feels really special to be part of the first group of girls to receive them and to know we’re building something for future generations of girls to aspire to.’

As she prepares to graduate at the end of 2025, Sally hopes to study science or medicine – possibly on the path to becoming a dentist – with her university options open to Australia, the US or the UK. But wherever life takes her, cricket is likely to remain part of the picture. ‘If there’s a local club nearby, I’d love to keep playing,’ she said. ‘And if I stay in Australia, I would absolutely love to come back and help coach the Wesley girls’ team. That would be really special.’

For Acacia, Sally’s legacy is clear. ‘She’s brought something unique to our team. She’s shown that you don’t need to grow up with cricket to make a difference – you just need heart, joy and the courage to try something new.’

Sally’s story is a celebration of friendship, resilience and the magic of discovering new passions in unexpected places – a true testament to the inclusive and adventurous spirit of Wesley College.