She’s the captain of our women’s national cricket team and a true inspiration to other women
Commitment towards her discipline is her catalyst for empowerment, says Suné Luus, the 2022 World Cup cricket captain, who, along with the national Protea women’s cricket team, ranked second place in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in April this year. We chat to Suné to find out more about how she found her beginnings as an athlete, her proudest moments on the field, and where she draws inspiration from out there on the pitch.
Where did your love for cricket start?
It all started with my dad. He first got me into mini-cricket when I was four and has been one of my biggest supporters ever since. He and
my older brother would bat together when I was only a toddler and I would just follow their lead. My dad isn’t a pro player himself but has always loved being involved. Having him as my first ‘coach’ definitely kicked off my cricket career.
When did you first find a sense of empowerment in playing cricket?
I was only seven at the time! The only team available for me to join was a boys’ under 10 squad but I wasn’t perturbed, at all. In fact, I loved the challenge of competing at a different level than what I was used to. Showing everyone what I was capable of motivated me. Young Suné definitely felt empowered for being the only girl in a squad full of boys.
When did cricket become a serious pursuit for you?
I was still in school, in grade 10, playing on both my school’s hockey and tennis teams. I had a tennis tournament and a national cricket camp coming up over the same weekend and had to pick a side. I remember talking to my head coach on the phone and him asking what my priorities were. In that instance I knew that I wanted to dedicate my time to cricket and give it a full go.
What does a day in your shoes typically look like?
I recently moved to Cape Town and am still settling into a routine. Most days start off with a run, then I head to team training for two to three hours. A gym session with my own trainer follows, then lunch with teammates before returning home. In my downtime, I just love getting comfy with a good book – anything by Nicholas Sparks has me reading for hours. I’ve also been taking in Cape Town’s beautiful scenery with the occasional hike or stroll around.
Proudest moment for the Protea women’s team?
The moment we stepped out of the airport doors as we returned home from the 2022 World Cup after just winning second place. Hundreds of people showed up to support us and say ‘hi’. What an incredibly special moment that was, realising that we, as a female sports team, had struck such a chord in people’s lives! It still gives me goosebumps.
What challenges do you face as a female athlete?
The financial gap is quite a challenge in women’s sport. We get paid a lot less than our male counterparts. An equal playing field still seems a long way away, so most of us have to study on the side or have an extra stream of income. As a matter of fact, I’ve just finished my degree in marketing and communication. I’m looking forward to putting my new qualifications to use.
What has your commitment towards the sport taught you?
My discipline towards the sport has been a catalyst for empowerment. I’ve gained so much patience, strength and loyalty through giving my all to cricket. Being committed to one sport your whole life certainly does have its ups and downs, but it is extremely rewarding when I do put in those good performances.
What’s your biggest source of inspiration at the moment?
It will always be my parents, without a doubt. It’s very important to me to be able to take care of them. The better I do in life, the better opportunity I have to support them and make sure I give back to them what they gave up for me my whole life.
What does the road towards empowerment look like to you?
Making a commitment and sticking to it is one of the most empowering things one can do. Once you’ve got a sense of direction and purpose, setting goals and reaching them is the most rewarding thing you can do. There’s always something to improve on, which means there is always room for a better sense of empowerment. We keep growing!
What’s your next goal?
I always keep my goals pretty simple. Play the best cricket I can and contribute to my team. We have the Commonwealth Games coming up and it’s obviously a dream to get a medal!
If your house was on fire and you could grab only two items, what would they be?
Probably my Nicholas Sparks books and my phone! Oh, and my dog. Sorry, that’s three but they’re essential!
Words by Savanna Douglas
Photography: Courtesy Images
