Sophie Luff Named Somerset Women’s First Professional Captain
Sophie Luff, a seasoned cricketer with a deep-rooted connection to Somerset County Cricket Club, has been appointed as the first professional captain of Somerset Women’s team. This announcement marks a significant milestone as the team gears up for the upcoming season of the new Women’s County competition.
Sophie Luff: A Cricketing Journey
At 31 years old, Sophie Luff’s cricketing journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Having started with Somerset’s age groups, she made her debut for the senior women’s team in 2009 and has since become a stalwart figure in the squad. With an impressive record of 74 List A matches under her belt, Luff has scored 2330 runs at an average of 43.14, with a highest score of 138 not out. In addition, she has also showcased her talent in 68 T20 matches, amassing 1675 runs at an average of 35.63.
Luff’s leadership qualities were recognized early on when she captained the county side from 2017 to 2022. Her standout performances for the Taunton-based Western Storm, where she was named captain in 2020, further solidified her reputation as a formidable leader on the field. As the first player to reach 100 appearances for Storm, Luff has proven her mettle with over 1760 runs in List A cricket at an impressive average of 50.54, with a best of 157 not out. Her T20 record for Storm includes 850 runs at 25.90, with a best of 78.
A Homecoming for Sophie Luff
Reflecting on her new role, Sophie Luff expressed her excitement and pride at leading Somerset Women as the first-ever professional captain. She shared, “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.”
Luff’s connection to Somerset County Cricket Club runs deep, as she reminisced about her childhood days spent watching cricket legends like Marcus Trescothick at the club. She emphasized the importance of setting high standards for Somerset Women’s team and acknowledged the club’s rich history of exceptional captains. “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,” Luff added.
Words of Praise from the Coaching Staff
Trevor Griffin, the Head Coach of Somerset Women, commended Luff’s leadership qualities both on and off the field, highlighting her exceptional understanding of the game and her unwavering dedication to the sport. Griffin stated, “Sophie has proved during the course of her career that she is a genuine leader both on and off the field. Her wealth of experience will prove invaluable alongside her outstanding understanding of the game.”
Andy Hurry, the Director of Cricket at Somerset County Cricket Club, also showered praise on Luff, emphasizing her inspirational presence in the women’s cricketing community. Hurry remarked, “Sophie is very much a part of the DNA of women’s cricket in the region. Her tenacity and will to win are second to none, and she possesses an abundance of the necessary traits required to be a successful captain and leader.”
Sophie Luff’s appointment as Somerset Women’s first professional captain signifies a new chapter in the club’s history, with her leadership set to inspire a new generation of cricketers and elevate the standards of women’s cricket in the region.
