Naomi Stalenberg’s Journey Through Eight WNCL Titles, a Move South and Impact as an ACA Delegate

Naomi Stalenberg’s resume of 10 WNCL Finals for eight titles is mighty impressive. Add to that two WBBL trophies, one with the Thunder and one with the Renegades, Naomi is a serial winner and has developed a fantastic perspective across her cricket journey with New South Wales and Tasmania.

“Some people don't get the opportunity to play in finals, let alone win them.

“It's been really cool to be a part of some successful organisations.”

Progressing through the Emerging Breakers squad in New South Wales, Naomi was unsure about what the pathway to professional cricket looked like. Describing herself as “not overly talented”, Naomi felt like she always had to work hard to continue to improve and evolve as a player.

Due to NSW contracts being hard to come by in what was an incredibly successful time for the state, Naomi went and had a gap year in the Netherlands upon turning 18. Returning to Sydney and playing club cricket, it wasn’t long before a 19-year-old Naomi Stalenberg took to the field representing New South Wales.

The Women’s game has evolved significantly throughout Naomi’s career. From playing three games in a weekend to now having the opportunity to travel the world and play in different competitions, Naomi can’t help but feel grateful.

“It's been really cool to experience the different eras.

“The professionalism of the world's game has completely changed, and I feel like Australian Cricket has been a key driver of that. I think domestic cricket has come a long way and you can see how talented and how incredible the athletes are around the country.”

After 45 games (and 5 WNCL titles) with New South Wales, Naomi found herself off contract, amid the COVID pandemic. In what was a “pretty challenging” time, Tasmania came calling with an opportunity, which she took and now describes as one of the best things that’s ever happened to her.

“It's paid dividends. I’ve been a part of some really successful teams in my career, but I think the most rewarding part of my career has been my stint down here.

"The three-peat, hopefully we can continue that success, but I really appreciate our connection and the close relationships we have with the staff and the organisation here in Tassie.”

Throughout her career with both NSW and Tasmania, Naomi has had a strong impact as an ACA Delegate. The ACA has designated representatives amongst CA, State and W/BBL contracted players to represent the views of each of their groups.

Naomi and teammate Nicola Carey became stand-in delegates for NSW at the time of the 2017 MoU negotiation, as their two delegates were playing in a World Cup overseas.

“Nicola Carey and I were thrust into being the spokespeople for our squad.

“The skills that Nic and I had to quickly develop in terms of being advocates for our group, talking to the ACA and understanding the intricate details of the MOU, the codes of conduct and the duty of care, it was a pretty challenging time but it gave me a love for advocacy.”

After moving to Tasmania, Naomi was provided an opportunity to continue serving as a delegate within their squad, which she has done ever since.

“The most rewarding part is when you have a chance to implement some change and be the advocates on behalf of the playing group.

“It's been an incredible journey, especially the last couple of MOUs and how much change we've seen, particularly in the women's space.”

Naomi’s connection with the ACA goes beyond being a delegate. She’s also tapped into Education Grants to assist with her study and had the opportunity to be involved in the Female Leadership Program, where a select group of players have access to mentoring from Australian Cricket legend Belinda Clark.

Elaborating on support from the ACA, Naomi said:

“What the ACA does really well is they want to try and find avenues for players to develop and improve, and hopefully provide a pathway outside of cricket for when they finish up playing, whatever that is.

“It's really exciting, there's different avenues players can explore, and there's so many options.”

ACA Members who want to learn more about any of these programs are encouraged to reach out to acateam@auscricket.com.au