Sophia looks back on incredible year

It’s been an eventful 12 months for Sophia Smale.

In the last year the 18-year-old has signed her first professional contract with Western Storm, tasted success in The Hundred and represented England at the Under 19 World Cup.

We caught up with her this week to look back on her meteoric rise.

“The year went really well,” she said. “I feel like I performed well in the T20s, considering that it was my first year. I then managed to progress well in The Hundred. When I look back on it all it’s definitely a year that will be hard to beat. There’s definitely a lot that I can work on this year though, especially in the 50-over competition. There are things that I will be looking to improve on, but it was one hell of a year! To be picked for the Under 19 World Cup and get to the final as well was pretty special, so it will definitely be a tough year to top.

“At the start of the year I was in the Academy. I went to Desert Springs with Western Storm for their pre-season trip and managed to do okay over there. Then I got my first call up to the T20 squad. That would have been a good year for me if I’m honest, but then I got called up for The Hundred and I was thinking: ‘how did that happen?’. I’ve always wanted to be there or thereabouts and pushing for a place with Western Storm First XI. That was the main aim last year, so to have done well in The Hundred is ridiculous! When I look back at the summer and see my camera roll and the memories that brings back, it’s insane! I wasn’t expecting to play, so to open the bowling, win the competition and to get out the players that I did is amazing. Hopefully, I can use the experiences and build on them this year.

“Having such a good season in the professional game helped me get into the World Cup squad. That experience was amazing. To reach the final was something really special and it’s something that I’ll never forget.”

What was it like walking into the Western Storm dressing room as a professional player for the first time?

“I was quite lucky because I know a lot of the players from playing for Wales. I’d played against or with quite a few of the team and a few were on the Academy at the same time. I was a bit nervous when we went to Desert Springs because I hadn’t really spent much time with the squad, but by the time I made my debut I was much more comfortable in the environment. Heather Knight was playing when I did make my debut which was amazing. That was definitely an ‘is this happening?’ moment.”

At what point did it finally sink in that she was a professional cricketer?

“I think it probably happened after The Hundred,” she explained. “I’d done well in the T20s for Western Storm, but I knew my place in the side wasn’t guaranteed. After The Hundred I felt I had the confidence to bowl at the world’s best and I felt that I belonged at this level. That’s when I felt that I belonged in the professional game. My confidence grew and when I came back to Storm, I felt more at home within the professional environment.”

What does 2023 have in store?

“This year is about being consistent. It’s about being dominant in the T20s and building on last year. I also want to prove myself in 50-over cricket. I’ve been focusing on that and also on my batting over the winter. I think that I’ve improved and hopefully there’s more to come.

“I think the team has a really good foundation and hopefully we can be pushing to reach finals this year. Everyone is looking forward to the season starting now. It’s been quite a long winter and everyone is desperate to get out there on the pitch.

“We’ve got a young squad but we’ve got heart and passion. We’re going to be an exciting team to watch this summer and we’re looking forward to showing people what we can do. Hopefully, we can inspire young girls from across the region to play cricket.”