Many within the Otago Cricket family will be aware that Jess Davidson leaves OCA today after 6 years to assume a role with New Zealand Cricket as the new Head of Female Engagement.

Jess takes on the role after 4+ years of leading the Women & Girls game in the Otago area, proving herself as an influential figure in the cricketing network.

Davidson begun her career with Otago Cricket in 2016 where she was appointed as a Community & Operations Intern.

Immediately, Jess’s enthusiasm & passion for Cricket became evident and she signed soon thereafter as a Cricket Development Officer for the Dunedin area in 2018.

Jess has been instrumental in leading several Women & Girls initiatives throughout Otago, including introducing the popular Girls Smash programme alongside the OCA Community Team.

Across Otago there are now 500+ females aged 5-13 playing Girls Smash cricket.

She has been the driver behind the Women & Girls Week run in November/December, the Suzie Bates Leaders Course for young female leaders, and the “Fern Fever” multi-sport days to name a few of her achievements.

Davidson reflected on her time at Otago Cricket earlier this week.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the past five years at Otago Cricket and the opportunity to work alongside the community team to grow the game within the region,”.

“It has been a pleasure to meet so many passionate staff, volunteers and individuals across Otago who are dedicated to making cricket an accessible sport for all.” Davidson continued.

For Davidson, the opportunity to help growing the female game at a national level was a catalyst in accepting the role.

“Within Otago, I have experienced first-hand the growth and development of female engagement over the past few years. I am really looking forward to my new role with NZ Cricket and the opportunity to lead and develop the female game at a national level,” said Davidson.

“I am very excited to continue the momentum in this space and create further opportunities for females of all ages and abilities to be involved in both on field and off field aspects of the game.”

Along with her roles in the female game, Jess has also been a leader in Otago Cricket’s Coach Education space, has led Dunedin’s Yeah! Girls programme and coached/managed a number of age-group sides.”

General Manager Community Cricket, Andrew Petrie, commented on Davidson’s growth while at Otago Cricket.

“This role represents an exciting opportunity for Jess, and it has been great to see her grow from an intern five years ago to now leading female engagement at a national level,” said Petrie.

“While we are all sad to see her leave, we are all excited to follow her successes, and wish her nothing but the best of luck for the future.”

*ENDS*

Article added: Tuesday 18 January 2022