Ilze van der Westhuizen recently arrived in the island to take up the role, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience in the sport across playing, coaching and development roles in South Africa, England and Ireland, with a strong track record in junior participation, women and girls’ cricket, schools’ programmes and high-performance pathways.
A former provincial and county cricketer, van der Westhuizen has represented teams including Western Province B, Boland Women and Surrey, and has held senior coaching and development roles with Stellenbosch University, Cricket Boland, Holywood Cricket Club in Northern Ireland and the Chance to Shine programme in England.
She was most recently the head coach of the Maties Women’s team and has worked extensively within university and community cricket environments.
In her new role, van der Westhuizen will lead Guernsey Cricket’s junior development programmes, including cricket for children aged nine and under, schools cricket, women and girls’ participation, inclusion initiatives and the management of junior competitions.
She will also play a key role in strengthening player pathways and supporting the development of coaches and volunteers across the island.
Van der Westhuizen has also assumed the role of the Senior Women’s National Team head coach.
‘I’m incredibly excited to be joining Guernsey Cricket and becoming part of the local cricket community,’ she said.
‘Guernsey has a strong cricketing identity and a clear vision for growth. I’m passionate about creating positive, enjoyable experiences for young people, growing the women and girls’ game, and helping players, coaches and clubs reach their full potential.’
Richard Headington, Guernsey Cricket’s chief operating officer added: ‘Ilze brings outstanding experience and energy to this role.
‘Her background in both participation and performance cricket, particularly in women’s and junior development, aligns perfectly with our strategic priorities.
‘We are delighted to welcome her to Guernsey and look forward to the impact she will have across the game.’
Van der Westhuizen will work closely with clubs, schools, the Guernsey Sports Commission and community partners to increase participation, improve access to cricket and ensure strong development pathways across all sections of the game.
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