WHITE FERN Hannah Rowe is a cricketer on the rise.
She’s made her debut for the national side and attended a world tournament while managing the start of her university career all before the age of twenty. As well as managing cricket and academic pursuits she’s also worked in playing provincial age grade netball.
To most it sounds like a packed schedule but Rowe is taking it all in her stride. ICC World Twenty20 selection meant a quick reschedule of her university commitments.
“University has been really helpful in terms of exam dates and assignments to help me work things in.”
Rowe is studying communications with a major in journalism and is still working out what path she wants to go down.
“It is a broad degree so it gives me a lot of options. I have been debating between journalism and PR. Media studies is something I have always enjoyed. I think my passion for sport has also fuelled my interest in media.”
Since her trip to India with the WHITE FERNS Rowe has been working hard on her bowling action in Palmerston North with former BLACKCAP Jacob Oram.
“I had a brief break after the tournament and I focused on my study and netball. But now I have been in full swing with cricket training and balancing that with uni.”
“I have been focusing on certain parts of my action to help make me a better bowler. After India we identified that for me to be a better bowler I needed to make a few changes.”
The 19-year-old has had to work mainly indoors but has also had the chance to work outdoors in a special grass net facility at Palmerston North Boys’ High School.
While working hard in the New Zealand winter Rowe says seeing fellow WHITE FERNS perform in the English summer has been inspiring her to keep working.
“I am working hard to secure a place in the team. Obviously being a newbie and a rookie you are never sure of what tours you will make. My main focus is making the team for South Africa.”
As well as completing her studies, Rowe’s biggest goal remains making the WHITE FERNS team for next year’s ICC Women’s World Cup in England and Wales.
