Sports Scholar search-where are they now? Freya Davies

1. Following graduation what’s your journey been?

“Its been a very exciting year, I was lucky enough to be awarded an England Rookie contract making one of just 22 paid female cricketers in the country, which meant I could train full time this winter with the England squad. This has been incredible for me as it was the first time I wasn’t trying to juggle cricket and studying and has really allowed me to work hard and improve my game.”

2. Having won the 2017 Kia Super League with Western Storm last year what do you think the 2018 season will bring?

It should be a very exciting season for us, the competition has doubled in size this year, playing every team home and away. This means there will be even more challenges, as there always is playing the best players in the world but also more opportunities to show what we can do. I mean obviously the aim is to win again, the only way to top last year would be to do it for consecutive years and there is no doubt that as a squad we are capable of that”.

3. What is it like to be back in Exeter for the summer?

“Initially quite surreal, felt like I was back at University for a bit but really exciting. The facilities here are really good and I might be biased but it’s a pretty nice place to live so we are pretty lucky!

4.What are your future career plans?

“That’s always a difficult question in sport and something that is hugely dependent on performance, selections etc. but I’m hopeful that I will soon be pushing for a place in the England team and am going to do everything I can to make this happen. Beyond this I want to eventually use my University of Exeter Law degree to become a solicitor but hopefully I’ll remain in cricket for the near future”.

While studying as a student athlete at the University of Exeter Freya was part of the Women’s Cricket Performance Programme and as such received a comprehensive support services package including strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, athlete lifestyle workshops and 1 to 1 mentoring. Freya also captained the University of Exeter Ladies Cricket Club 1^st team who in recent years have reached four successive BUCS Championship outdoor finals and won two indoor golds.