Sporting history made at Mentone Grammar – Evie Stansby
Sporting history was made at Mentone Grammar when Year 12 student, Evie Stansby, became the first female to play for our First XI cricket team.
On Saturday 29 January 2022, Mentone Grammar’s Head Prefect Evie Stansby (Year 12) made Mentone Grammar sporting history by becoming the first female to earn a place on our First XI cricket team. Students who earn a coveted place in the First XI have proven themselves to be among the best players at the School, consistently demonstrating their talents and dedication to the game.
Mentone Grammar’s cricket coach, Peter Buchanan said before the match, “The first female cricketer to represent the Mentone Firsts – that’s a great achievement. Evie has deserved her selection. She’s picked herself. She’ll keep, she’ll bat down the order and we’re looking forward to it.’’
Evie began her cricketing career at Beaumaris Cricket Club – with its inaugural U/13 girls’ team – and was an Under 12 Victorian representative. She continued her journey playing in the Youth Premier League for the South East Bayside Breakers and now plays women’s Premier Cricket for Dandenong.
Playing on the First XI team at Mentone Grammar has always been a goal for Evie. “When I arrived at the School in Year 7 and began training with the boys, I knew that I could achieve a place in the First XI. Since then, I have been training hard to achieve my goal.
“The team was extremely supportive, and I was always treated like another player. I hope that my place in the team can encourage more girls to join cricket teams at Mentone and earn a place on the First XI team too.
“There is a huge amount of female talent at this school, and I think this is an exciting step forward for the women’s cricket community.”
A true sportswoman, Evie is also an exceptional hockey player, who competes for the national Under 18 squad.
“It’s something I really love,’’ she said of hockey. “Both sports seem to go well together. I’ve been lucky that hockey is in the winter and cricket is in the summer, so I’ve never had to make a decision about one or the other, which is good because I love them so much.’’
Mentone Grammar looks forward to seeing Evie thrive on and off the field this season.