Sunrisers Academy batter Jess Olorenshaw has been awarded her first Senior contract, having signed for the remainder of the 2022 season.
Olorenshaw, who plays her county cricket for Essex, joins fellow batters Jodi Grewcock, Scarlett Hughes, and Flo Miller to be called up to the Senior squad this season after impressing for the Academy side.
The right-handed batter has been rewarded for her performances in the Sunrisers Academy this season, both with the bat and with the gloves behind the stumps.
At 17 years old, she is also a very talented hockey player, and was in the England U16 set-up for two years before making the decision to focus on cricket.
Speaking of Olorenshaw’s selection, Sunrisers Regional Talent Manager Luke Pomfret said:
“As one of the first players to be selected onto the Sunrisers Academy, Jess has worked very hard over the last two years to develop into the cricketer she is today. An exciting top order batter and more than useful wicket keeper, Jess has the ability to change games in an instant. It is very pleasing to see another young player from the Academy progressing into the Senior squad, and it shows the quality and depth we are very fortunate to have within our region.”
Sunrisers Regional Director of Women’s Cricket, Danni Warren, praised all involved as Jess becomes the sixth Academy graduate to rise in to the Senior squad:
“It is one of our missions to identify and develop cricketers from across the region with the skills to progress to representation at Sunrisers Senior level and beyond, and Jess’s contract is testament to her hard work and commitment, and of those around her. Nothing makes me, or our team, prouder than to see a young player continue to fulfil their potential and I cannot wait to see Jess perform on the senior stage.
By becoming the sixth academy player in less than 2 years to be awarded a senior contract, Jess underlines the huge amount of talent we have across the region and serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to follow in her footsteps. Congratulations to Jess, her family, and to the fantastic team of coaches and support staff that have helped get her here, all of whom I know are committed to this being the first of many milestones in her career.”
Jess and her Sunrisers teammates can be seen in action in their three remaining home Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy fixtures. After this weekend’s trip to Headingley, they are in action at Jess’ home ground Chelmsford next Saturday. Click here for ticket information.