Physiotherapy student and Sports Scholar at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, Isabella James, has been selected to play for Kent County Cricket Club (KCCC), the most successful women’s cricket county side in England and Wales.
Isabella, currently in her second year at St Mary’s, is expected to make her debut with the ten-time league champions and five T20 titles winners in April.
Isabella, who has played cricket since she was 10, expressed her excitement over the selection: “I’m thrilled to have been selected for the Kent Women’s squad for the 2024/25 season - it's a really exciting opportunity for me to continue developing my cricketing career. After watching my brother play and deciding I wanted to give it a go to now, where cricket plays a huge part of my life.”
“For St Mary’s to want to celebrate this achievement with me reflects what it’s like being a student here. It has a really supportive and like-minded community and studying Physiotherapy has enabled me to excel in the sports that I love while giving me the tools to achieve my sport-career ambitions.”
KCCC has been leading the way for women’s and girl’s cricket. A number of their team members have gone on to play at International Level including England players, Lydia Greenway, Tash Farrant, Tammy Beaumont and Alice Davidson-Richards.
Isabella joins St Mary’s ever growing list of sport success stories, further securing the University’s international reputation for supporting athletic excellence. Offering world-class facilities, such as a performance education centre and a fitness and conditioning suite, St Mary’s provides support designed to help students excel both academically and athletically.
Isabella also plays lacrosse for St Mary’s, balancing her studies with a strong commitment to her sport.
Before joining Kent earlier this year, Isabella was captain of Cambridgeshire County Cricket Club and was their highest ever female wicket taker, with 110 in just seven seasons.
With the first Kent Women’s game of the season fast approaching, on 20 April, Isabella is hoping to make her debut and contribute to what promises to be an exciting season.