In a strategic move to bolster women’s cricket development across New Zealand, former White Ferns stars Amy Satterthwaite, Anna Peterson, and Sarah Tsukigawa have been appointed as female pathway leads for Auckland, Canterbury, and Otago, respectively.
This trio joins under the leadership of Sara McGlashan, a former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter, overseeing the regional pathway managers. Their roles come at a pivotal time, following New Zealand’s disappointing sixth-place finish in the 13th ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, where Sophie Devine’s side earned just 4 points from 7 games, including one win over Bangladesh, four losses, and two washouts.
The appointments signal a bright future for grassroots talent, especially as New Zealand eyes to defend their maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title (which they clinched in 2024 in Dubai under the leadership of Sophie Devine), at the upcoming 10th ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, 2026.
Satterthwaite, the most capped of the group with 145 ODIs and 111 T20Is, including captaincy in 13 ODIs and 12 T20Is, brings unparalleled expertise. She retired from international cricket in May 2022 after missing out on a central contract and later served as assistant coach for the Adelaide Strikers in WBBL 2022-23.
“Having three former players step into pathway manager roles is enormously valuable,” McGlashan emphasised. “Their experience allows them to connect with players in a way that truly accelerates development and inspires the next generation on where their journey in cricket can take them.”
Peterson, who featured in 32 ODIs and 33 T20Is from 2012 to 2020, and Tsukigawa, the eldest at 43 with 42 ODIs and 19 T20Is between 2006 and 2011, complement Satterthwaite’s pedigree. Together, they aim to forge stronger ties with clubs and schools while fostering elite training environments.
McGlashan added, “From strengthening relationships with clubs and schools to driving high-quality training environments, they’re helping create thriving pathways for young cricketers. Environments where players feel supported, inspired, and confident to push their potential are pivotal to their development.”
This initiative extends beyond the trio, with former Northamptonshire and Middlesex coach Luke Pomfret joining the Northern Districts pathway team. As New Zealand digests Devine’s ODI retirement after their final league match against England on October 26, and India’s historic World Cup triumph over South Africa by 52 runs in Navi Mumbai on November 2, these appointments could spark a new era, nurturing the talent needed to reclaim White Ferns glory.
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