Alyssa Healy knows a thing or two about cricket. As the niece of Australian Test wicketkeeper, Ian Healy, the daughter of Queensland cricket team member, Greg Healy, and soon to be the wife of Australian Test fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, it’s safe to say that Alyssa is far from new to the game.
With 5 years playing internationally and achievements that include a victory at the ashes in 2015 and a record for the most dismissals in Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) season, Australian women’s wicketkeeper, Alyssa Healy has certainly made her own mark on the family name.
We sat down with this inspiring female sports star to talk about her health and fitness routine, gossip about her engagement and get the scoop on how to train like an athlete.
Meet Alyssa Healy, the female wicketkeeper making catches for Australia
How long have you been playing cricket?
I started playing cricket when I was seven so I have now been playing for eighteen years.
With cricket in the family, is this always what you wanted to do? How do you think your cricketing background influenced where you are today?
When I was younger I never really thought of playing cricket. I got introduced to the game via a friend and then my family – especially my dad – helped me get to where I am today.
What is a typical weeks training during cricket season? Aside from cricket practice, what do you do to stay in shape?
Cricket is a really unique sport where you play in a team, but all of your skills are done individually. That means that we pretty much train every day whether it be honing our individual skills, training with the team or doing some form of fitness. Staying in shape is pretty important as we often play all year round now. We are often in the gym or doing running drills to keep in shape. Apart from cricket, I play hockey in the winter, which keeps me fit.
How does your nutrition and exercise regime differ on and off-season?
As we play almost year round now it is pretty important to keep both regimes similar. However we do get six weeks off a year to relax and that’s where all the food you love can come back into play.
What’s it like being a female in a male dominated sport?
It’s pretty tough at times, but we all play the game because we love it. I still get to travel the world doing something I love, which is pretty special even if it doesn’t come with as big a pay cheque as some of the men!
What would you say is your biggest achievement to date?
Being a part of a team that has won four world cups is special. It’s an exciting time to be a female cricketer and hopefully there will be some even bigger achievements in the next few years.
You must travel a lot with the team, what’s your best tip to stay healthy while travelling?
Be open to every culture wherever you travel and always have a good set of headphones for the plane.
What are your must-have travel accessories?
Headphones! As well as any small piece of tech equipment that will keep you occupied on long flights or bus rides.
Who do you look to for inspiration and why?
Most female athletes are inspiring. They always have a great story to tell and have more often than not overcome some hardship to get to where they are.
What advice would you give young girls starting out in cricket (or any team sport)?
Just enjoy the sport and time with friends. If you decide you want to excel then give it a red-hot crack, but you still need to enjoy what you do to succeed at it.
What do you like to do in your downtime?
Our lives are generally hectic so I enjoy doing very little in my downtime. I especially love spending time at the beach with my two dogs.
What is your biggest indulgence?
I love chocolate. Tim Tams are my downfall!
Do you have a daily mantra or philosophy you live by? If so, what is it?
Enjoy it while it lasts!
Injury is a risk in your line of work, what do you do to rest and recover?
Staying on top of little niggles is really important so that they do not become major injuries. Ensuring you recover properly from training and see the physio when needed is essential. Using your downtime to fully rest and recover is also a good idea.
Congratulations on your engagement earlier this year. Tell us how you first met.
We first locked eyes as 10 year olds playing cricket together haha! We grew up playing cricket together so have known one another a long time. We kept bumping in to each another at Cricket NSW when we first started playing for NSW. I guess it was fate in the end.
How does being in a relationship with another sportsperson influence your health and fitness?
Probably makes it worse to be completely honest. Only because when you’re both at home it’s usually your rest time so that’s when the relaxation and the Tim Tam eating takes place!
What is an average Saturday night like for you?
We’re usually recovering from a game on Saturday and preparing for one on Sunday.
What would we find in your beauty bag?
Razor and moisturiser! Have to have smooth legs in whatever you do.
What are we most likely to find you wearing when you’re not in your cricket whites? Any favourite brands?
Most commonly I’m in some sort of active wear walking the dogs. I find Asics to be the most comfortable. Otherwise you’ll find me in jeans and a scarf.
Quick hits:
Group or individual training?
Group (I love to be a pest!)
Yoga or run?
Run
Coffee or juice?
Juice
Holiday: sunbed or SUP?
SUP for sure
Party or DVD?
Party
Muesli or eggs?
Eggs
Tights or tracksuit?
Tights
Cocktail date or breakfast date?
Cocktail date!
Most used emoji:
Thumbs Up 👍
Currently reading:
Anything by James Patterson
Ultimate holiday destination:
The Maldives
Favourite song:
First by Cold War Kids
