Lauren Winfield (1990 – ) is an international cricketer, who currently plays for Yorkshire, Northern Diamonds and England. She is a right-handed batter and wicket-keeper. 

Winfield was born in York and spent her childhood pursuing her love of sport. She played cricket, football and netball. At the time, there were no women’s or girls’ teams nearby, so Winfield played boys’ and men’s cricket. Her first opportunity to play for a girls’ team was when she began playing for Yorkshire at the age of 10. 

Winfield admits she was quite distracted at school, but sport was something that always focused her. After 2 years out, she decided to study at Loughborough University, well-known as one of the best universities for sporting success. Whilst studying here, she was on the Northern Cricket Union (NCU) academy and received an England call-up. After graduating, Winfield was offered a centralised contract and went straight into playing cricket professionally. 

Winfield made her international debut in 2013 and was part of the England team that won the World Cup in 2017. Her wife is rugby league player, Courtney Hill.

Something Winfield is passionate about is the growth of the women’s game. She has been an ambassador for Chance to Shine – a national charity that aims to give all children the opportunity to play, learn and develop through cricket – since 2014. She uses her influence to make women’s and girls’ clubs more accessible, aiming to ensure girls have a club nearby they can play for, something Winfield did not have whilst growing up. 

Researcher: Alice Broome 

Sources: Living North Magazine. Wikipedia.

Image source: https://www.ecb.co.uk/england/women/players/3172