UP Warriorz: Alyssa Healy and the UP Warriorz

Alyssa Healy‘s rise to prominence in international cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. In October 2019, she made headlines with an unbeaten 148 off 61 balls against Sri Lanka, setting a new record for the highest T20I innings. Her performance in the 2020 T20 World Cup final in Melbourne further solidified her reputation as a powerhouse player in the sport.

Born into a cricketing family, Alyssa is the daughter of Greg Healy, a former Queensland squad member, and the niece of Ian Healy, who holds the record for the most Test dismissals as Australia’s wicketkeeper. Despite her lineage, Alyssa’s journey to success was not without its challenges. In her initial T20I and ODI appearances, she struggled to find consistency, averaging 17.44 and 15.96 respectively. However, the turning point came after Australia’s disappointing exit from the 2017 ODI World Cup semi-final, prompting Alyssa to embrace the role of opener regularly.

Since then, her performance has seen a dramatic upturn, with impressive averages of 36 in T20Is and 55 in ODIs. Her ability to deliver under pressure was evident in the 2020 T20 World Cup, where she overcame a series of single-figure scores to play a pivotal role in Australia’s triumph. Notably, her agile glovework, exemplified by her catch to dismiss Shafali Verma in the final, has earned her praise alongside established bowlers like Megan Schutt.

Alyssa’s leadership qualities have also come to the fore, particularly during her stint as captain of the UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premiere League’s inaugural season in 2023. Now, with her appointment as captain across all formats for Australia, she steps into a new realm of responsibility, succeeding the esteemed Meg Lanning.

Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity, Alyssa emphasizes the importance of leading authentically and staying true to oneself. Alyssa Healy’s story continues to inspire aspiring cricketers worldwide, underscoring the power of perseverance and resilience in achieving one’s dreams.

_{Repurposed article originally published in She the People}