Stacey Oates will always consider 2019 as a year of important change from a full-time nurse to a semi-professional cricketer.
After completing the previous season practice as an approved team affiliate with the Statewide Super SA Scorpions, the medium-pace bowler was given her first state deal at the age of 23.
Recalling one of her most embarrassing cricket memory Oates said “I was maybe 15 and was playing against Karen Rolton. I was batting with Megan (Schutt) at the time and she told me, “Just face the ball and then I’ll hit the winning runs.” I got caught by Karen Rolton straight away!” (Stacey Oates told to SACA.com.au)
A productive indoor cricketer and part of reigning head Sturt in the Statewide Super First Grade tournament, Stacey’s paid cricketing career is beginning to some degree later than the majority of her teammates. She acknowledges she was difficult to navigate her position within the team, but what Stacey loses in the time as an excellent athlete, she stands up for in life experience. A sympathetic personality, calm seems to emanate from Stacey, perhaps because of her view from a nursing profession.
The previous two Premier Cricket summers have seen her performing getting it done for Sturt. A basic piece of the Blues’ title-winning effort, she topped off the 2018-19 season with back to back four-wicket hauls and a Player-of-the-Final award. She experienced amazing achievement in the indoor cricket world, with the thrilling, fast-paced game carrying her throughout the globe. Representing Australia at Indoor World Cups in Dubai, New Zealand, and South Africa, Stacey’s potential was also recognized when she was appointed as an 18-year-old in 2014 in the Under-19 World Team. Now residing with her partner – a high school professor – Stacey’s existence is full of action, but blissfully relaxed at the same moment.
Loves all things female cricket