A historic chapter begins for Somerset Women’s cricket, as Sophie Luff takes charge as the team’s first-ever professional captain. The 31-year-old batter from Taunton has been an integral part of Somerset’s cricketing fabric, having risen through the county’s age-group system before making her senior debut in 2009.
Luff’s career statistics speak volumes of her consistency and prowess. In 74 List A matches for Somerset, she has amassed 2330 runs at an impressive average of 43.14, with the highest score of 138 not out. In the shorter format, she has featured in 68 T20 matches, accumulating 1675 runs at an average of 35.63. With leadership experience dating back to her tenure as Somerset captain from 2017 to 2022, she is no stranger to the responsibilities that come with the role.
Beyond county cricket, she has been a key figure in domestic competitions. A former England Academy, Development, and Under-19 international, Luff has been an ever-present force for Western Storm, where she became captain in 2020.
She holds the distinction of being the first player to reach 100 appearances for Storm, with an outstanding List A record of over 1760 runs at an average of 50.54, including the highest score of 157 not out. Her T20 contributions for Storm have been equally impactful, scoring 850+ runs in 54 innings at an average of 25.90, with a career-best of 78.
Adding to her impressive résumé, she has also featured in The Hundred, playing for Welsh Fire, London Spirit, and Southern Brave, scoring 153 runs from 14 innings in the high-intensity tournament.
For Luff, this appointment is deeply personal. She describes the overwhelming sense of pride she feels in leading the club she has cherished since childhood, “It feels like I’ve really come home this winter. I’m excited to be leading such a great group of girls, and to be able to do this at my home Club and to become the first-ever professional captain gives me an unbelievable sense of achievement and fills me with pride.”
Her connection with Somerset runs deep, having spent years following the team as a young fan before donning the county colors herself. She speaks fondly of her early memories, “Somerset County Cricket Club means an awful lot to me. I used to come here when I was young and watch the likes of Marcus Trescothick, and it’s where I fell in love with the game. I’ve been involved with the Club for a very long time and this group has got the opportunity to set the standards for how we want Somerset Women to play.
Now, as she steps into the captaincy role, she reflects on the club’s rich history and what it means to be part of its legacy, “This Club has a tremendous history and has had some incredible captains over the years. To have my name on that list is incredibly special and is a real privilege.”
Somerset Women’s Head Coach, Trevor Griffin, has no doubt that Luff is the perfect choice to lead the team. He emphasizes her natural leadership qualities and the immense respect she commands within the dressing room, “Sophie has proved during the course of her career that she is a genuine leader both on and off the field. She has the respect of everyone in the dressing room and is a model professional. Her wealth of experience will prove invaluable alongside her outstanding understanding of the game.”
But it’s not just her skill and experience that make her the ideal captain—her passion for the club and the game itself sets her apart. Griffin highlights her deep-rooted connection with Somerset and how it will fuel her leadership, “Sophie is passionate about cricket and passionate about this Club. Her genuine understanding of what it means to represent Somerset means that she will lead by example every time she takes to the field.”
With Sophie Luff at the helm, Somerset Women are set to embark on an exciting new journey, stepping into the professional era with a leader who embodies their values and ambitions. As the first-ever professional captain, Luff now has the opportunity to shape the team’s identity, inspire future generations, and cement her legacy as one of the most influential figures in Somerset Women’s cricket.
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