Caoimhe Bray aims to juggle cricket and soccer after historic WBBL hat‑trick

Teen prodigy makes history and keeps both balls in the air

Sixteen‑year‑old Sydney Sixers sensation Caoimhe Bray etched her name into cricket history on Saturday night, becoming the youngest player ever to claim a hat‑trick in any of the premier women’s T20 leagues. The achievement arrived in the midst of a busy dual‑sport schedule that sees her juggling elite cricket with a promising soccer career.

From the cricket pitch to the soccer goal

Bray’s love for both sports started at a young age in New South Wales. By the time she turned 16, she was already a regular in the Sixers’ squad and a goalkeeper for the Australia Under‑17 women’s national soccer team, the Matildas’ junior side. Her ability to switch seamlessly between the seam‑bowling crease and the soccer net has drawn inevitable comparisons to Australian legend Ellyse Perry, who famously represented her country in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup while also playing international cricket.

Cricket: a hat‑trick and a three‑year contract

The hat‑trick came against a strong opposition in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), where Bray claimed three wickets in three consecutive deliveries, sealing the win for the Sixers and clinching a headline that reverberated across the sporting world. The feat not only highlighted her raw talent but also demonstrated the effectiveness of her carefully crafted, age‑appropriate training program.

Despite her youth, Bray has already signed a three‑year deal with the Sixers, cementing her place in the squad for the upcoming summer seasons. “I have the three years signed with the Sixers and so much can change over that period,” she said. “But I am going to try and stick to doing both as much as I can.”

Soccer: still guarding the net for the Matildas U‑17

During the cricket off‑season, Bray returns to soccer, where she continues to train as a goalkeeper with the Matildas U‑17 camp. An injury limited her involvement in the winter A‑League Women competition last year, prompting her to prioritize the WBBL for now. Nevertheless, she remains committed to the beautiful game and hopes to feature more prominently once she fully recovers.

“When winter comes around, that’s when soccer comes back,” Bray explained. “People keep asking if I’ll choose one sport, but there’s still plenty of time to decide.”

Balancing two elite pathways

Maintaining elite performance in two sports is no small feat, especially when each demands a different set of physical and mental skills. Bray’s coaches have crafted a modified training schedule that respects her developing body. She attends only two days a week of NSW cricket training during the pre‑season, rather than the usual four, and is deliberately limited from bowling a full 10‑over spell in a 50‑over match.

“You’re changing so much in terms of height and body,” she noted. “You don’t want to overwork too much because that is when you break down. They are trying to look out for that.” This protective approach mirrors the pathway taken with Perry, who also benefited from a carefully managed workload during her early dual‑sport years.

Future outlook: staying the course or choosing a side?

Bray acknowledges that a decision may become inevitable at some point, but she prefers to keep her options open for now. Her three‑year contract with the Sixers provides a stable cricket platform, while her involvement with the Matildas U‑17 ensures she remains on soccer’s radar.

• Short‑term focus: Commit to cricket during the summer WBBL season.
• Winter plan: Return to soccer, train with the Matildas, and potentially feature in the A‑League Women.
• Long‑term vision: Evaluate physical development, injury status, and personal passion before making a definitive choice.

“I don’t know what it will be like in a few years,” she admitted. “If you don’t know the future, neither do I. But I’m going to try and stick to doing both as much as I can.”

Why Bray’s story matters

Beyond the statistics and contracts, Bray’s journey resonates with many young athletes who dream of excelling in multiple disciplines. Her success underscores the importance of flexible development pathways, supportive coaching, and a realistic approach to workload management.

For fans, her story adds a fresh narrative to the WBBL, reminding us that the league is a breeding ground not just for cricket stars but for all‑round sporting talent. For the broader Australian sporting community, Bray stands as a living testament to the possibilities that arise when talent meets thoughtful guidance.

Looking ahead

As the Sixers prepare for the next WBBL season, all eyes will be on Bray’s bowling arm and her ability to replicate the hat‑trick magic. Simultaneously, the Matildas’ coaching staff will be watching her progress behind the posts, hoping she can add another layer to Australia’s already rich dual‑sport legacy.

In the words of the teen herself, “I’m still pinching myself to be sharing a field with Ellyse Perry and doing my best not to bug the 35‑year‑old too much.” Whether she ultimately chooses cricket, soccer, or continues to balance both, Caoimhe Bray has already carved a unique place in Australian sport—one that promises to inspire the next generation of two‑sport sensations.