Childhood cancer survivor to champion girls’ cricket

20-year-old cricketer Holly Hammond-Lewis has joined Maiden Cricket’s growing ambassador community, using her story to encourage more girls and young women to feel confident stepping onto the cricket field. 

Holly, who studies at Nottingham Trent University and plays for both Nassington Cricket Club in Peterborough and Nottingham Trent Women’s team, first picked up a bat at just six years old after being encouraged to take up sport following cancer treatment as a child. 

“When I was four, I was diagnosed with cancer,” Holly explains. “After I finished treatment, I was encouraged to get involved in sport. My dad had played cricket and was coaching at the time, so he took me along to a session one day and I’ve stuck with it ever since.” 

Now aged 20, Holly has become a leading figure within her team both on and off the pitch, balancing university life with cricket. Growing up, she captained multiple girls’ age-group sides at her club, including the softball, U11s, U13s and U15s teams, before going on to captain the Nassington Women’s team from the age of 15. 

Although she describes herself as a spin bowler who supports with batting, Holly believes leadership is her greatest strength. “I love motivating people and bringing a team together,” she says. “Seeing teammates succeed and celebrating those moments together is one of the best feelings in cricket.” 

Founded by teenage sisters Honor and Cat Black, Maiden Cricket is a grassroots-first sportswear brand dedicated to championing women and girls in cricket through purpose-built kit, representation and community. Its ambassador programme now includes more than 300 players across the UK, ranging from beginners to elite athletes, all helping to redefine perceptions of the women’s game. 

Honor Black, co-founder of Maiden Cricket, said: “Holly is exactly the kind of role model we want girls in cricket to see. Her journey, determination and passion for the game show how powerful sport can be in building confidence, community and resilience, and we’re so excited to have her as part of the Maiden ambassador community.” 

For Holly, becoming a Maiden ambassador is about helping other girls feel that cricket belongs to them too. 

“I want women and girls to feel like cricket isn’t just a boys’ sport,” she says. “Being part of improving recognition for female players in a sport they love means a lot to me.” 

Women’s and girls’ cricket continues to grow rapidly across the UK, with grassroots participation increasing year-on-year. Maiden’s ambassador network aims to ensure that growth is matched by stronger representation, visibility and support for female players at every level of the game. 

Follow Maiden Cricket: @maiden.cricket | maiden-cricket.co.uk