School visit kickstarts an off-spinner's passion

Not many cricketers can lay claim to landing a teaching job while working at a school clinic, but that’s what happened to South Australian off-spinner Alex Price.

Despite a double degree in education and disability studies under her belt and two-thirds of a Masters in Special Education completed, a teaching job was far from the 25-year-old’s radar when the Strikers visited Warriappendi School in Adelaide’s inner-west.

“I had been putting my feelers out there for relief teaching work throughout SA, but I was happy with just playing cricket,” says Alex.

“I met the coordinator at the school during the clinic and got along really well with his sons, that led to some relief teaching work and I’m on contract now there now too.

“You don’t go out to a cricket clinic thinking you’re going to land a teaching job but falling into the one term of work at Warriappendi and having it become extended for the time being was great though.

Warriappendi is a small secondary school for Indigenous students. Alex’s time there is dedicated to the class for those with special needs. Having been born into a family where her parents were both teachers, the path leading to a career in education was clear but the passion for assisting those in need of extra help came later.

“Since I’ve been in primary school, my parents would always be taking me to their schools and into their classes then in year 11 and 12, there was an opportunity for me to assist some of the kids at the special school where my dad was teaching.”

Alex has accessed education grants through the ACA, allowing her to pursue another of her passion for education and set herself up for life after cricket while still on contract with South Australia.

“I’ve got the best of both worlds, being able to pursue what I love with still playing cricket.

“The ACA and their education grants have been great for me; we can’t be an athlete forever and we need to make sure there’s something else in our lives. Balance is key to good mental and physical health.”

Although Alex hasn’t put too much thought into what her entire life looks like beyond her playing days, she’s sure her career pathway lies in education.

“I absolutely love teaching. I definitely have a real passion for special education,” she says.

“I’m not sure if I want to do a PHD or anything yet but with the help of the ACA I’ve been able to just about complete my Masters at the age of 25 and I’ve got a lot of avenues open to me. I can either pursue more study or try and climb the ladder in the world of teaching.

“I have quite a strong passion for indigenous education now too and I think that’s an area that I’d like to explore a lot deeper.”

For more information on ACA Education and Training Grants click here, speak with your Player Development / Transition Manger or Elesha Te Paa on etepaa@auscricket.com.au.