ST JOHN’S, Antigua – For 22 young women chasing West Indies glory, the path to cricketing excellence runs through more than just the nets.
Cricket West Indies’ High-Performance Camp, held in Antigua following the 2026 Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship, has pushed beyond traditional coaching boundaries.
While technical drills and physical conditioning formed the backbone of the two-week programme, organisers placed equal weight on forging the complete athlete, mind, voice, and character.
The camp, which serves as a critical stepping stone toward the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, featured specialised sessions on mental resilience, media engagement, and leadership.
Players explored the psychological landscape of elite sport, navigating pressure, sharpening focus, and building the confidence required to thrive on the world stage.
They also stepped into the spotlight through practical media training, facing simulated interviews that challenged them to articulate their experiences with poise.
The exercise aimed to prepare these rising stars not only for press conferences but for their broader responsibilities as ambassadors of West Indies cricket.
Dwain Gill, CWI High-Performance Manager, emphasised that the initiative was about more than runs and wickets.
“Our responsibility is to develop young people who understand what it means to operate in a high-performance environment and represent West Indies cricket,” Gill said.
“These sessions were an important part of this camp. We want to equip these players, many of whom are potentially moving towards an international stage, with the tools, confidence, and awareness they need to navigate that journey successfully.”
The players also connected directly with CWI leadership, including CEO Chris Dehring, who sat down to hear their stories and aspirations.
“It was important to spend time with these young women, hear their journeys, and understand what is needed from us as an organisation,” Dehring said.
“Their enthusiasm and determination, despite some very challenging domestic circumstances, was inspirational.
We are committed to giving them the support, facilities, and pathways needed to develop and perform at the highest level.”
For the 22 Rising Stars, the Antigua experience was about more than preparing for a World Cup. It was about understanding their place in the future of West Indies cricket, and leaving equipped with the knowledge and professional awareness to take the next step.
CMC
