Megan Schutt has spent 14 years playing cricket for Australia, collecting World Cup titles, Commonwealth Games gold and more than 300 wickets across all formats. The 33-year-old fast bowler built her reputation through an aggressive style and competitive spirit. Life away from cricket changed after an ADHD diagnosis last year. The diagnosis helped her understand her anger and emotions. “Cricket has been a great regulator for me,” Schutt told ABC Sport.
Schutt said cricket helped her stay in control on the field, while small things away from it could make her lose her temper. She had been quick to anger as a child and understood why, despite a happy childhood and supportive parents. The diagnosis helped those feelings make sense. She is learning to be less strict with herself as she gets older, especially when her body needs more rest. She said she had set standards that were probably not achievable.
Her teammates have noticed changes since she began taking ADHD medication. Darcie Brown and Georgia Wareham have told Schutt that she is a much nicer person when she is on medication. She said the medicine has made batting easier because she no longer has 1,400 shot selections running through her mind. As an elite athlete tested by anti-doping organisations, Schutt needs a therapeutic use exemption from her doctor. The exemption must be reviewed every 12 months or whenever her dose changes.
That process has brought stress. Two weeks ago, Schutt received a two-match ban for failing to follow requirements around prescription medication. She missed Australia’s third T20 International against New Zealand and Adelaide Strikers’ opening Women’s Big Bash match. She returned at Drummoyne Oval against the Brisbane Heat. The interview was conducted in September, and there has been no indication that the suspension was linked to her ADHD medication. Cricket Australia said the circumstances were confidential and Schutt had expressed remorse.
“You do stress,” Schutt said while explaining her concerns about drug testing. She has worried about whether her therapeutic use exemption was active or whether the dosing was correct. Schutt believes fears can affect other players. She said younger players avoid cold and flu medicines; cafe protein shakes and food prepared by someone else because they fear an accidental problem. She understands athletes are responsible for what they put in their bodies but feels frustrated about needing extra approval for ADHD medicine.
Away from medication, Schutt has also been managing family responsibilities. She has a five-year-old daughter, Rylee, with ex-wife Jess. They have been adjusting to co-parenting while managing Rylee’s autism and ADHD. Touring became difficult because Rylee had therapies, including physio, OT, speech and dietitian appointments. Schutt did not want to remove her daughter from those routines to take her on tour. She said the system was not set up for a single parent.
These challenges influenced Schutt’s decision to retire from ICC tournaments after being part of Australia’s T20 World Cup-winning squad at Lord’s in July. She continues to make an impact in ODIs and was named Player of the Series against Bangladesh last month after taking 10 wickets, with best figures of 4/16. She has not played a Test since 2019. “I’ve missed so much of Rylee’s life and she’s at an age where she can communicate that sadness and it hurts.” Her career continues, but family and health now shape where she wants to be.
(Quotes sourced from ABC Sport)
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