Flying high on the cricket pitch
A star pupil at New Republic School, Kayla has excelled at sports in general throughout her school career, racking up trophies and accolades along the way, but cricket remains her first love. She has played for the boys' first team in Grades 6 and 7, as well as being selected as the NRS Girl Cricketer of the Year in Grades 5, 6 and 7.
WHILE cricket is generally considered a ‘gentleman’s sport’ by most, this young maiden has certainly been bowled over by a love for the pitch.
Kayla High, the younger of two sporty siblings, is no stranger to the bat and ball and was recently awarded the title of NRS’ Sports Girl of the Year for 2015.
Her passion for the pitch started from a young age, inspired by the support and encouragement of her parents, Gary and Adele High, who are well known for their role in the running of Vryheid Cricket Club since the early 1990’s.
When asked about what inspired her love of cricket, Kayla’s one word answer was simple. With a sparkle in her young eyes, she glanced lovingly at her father, Gary, and replied, “Daddy.”
Thirteen year old Kayla and her brother, Connor basically “grew up on the cricket pitch” according to Adele, who recalls with pride the accomplishments of her children who have both excelled in cricket as well as other sports.
Connor, who turned 16 on December 15 and will be going to Grade 11 at Vryheid High School in 2016, has achieved several sporting milestones along the way, playing cricket for the VHS first team in Grades 9 and 10 as well as having played for the Northern Natal u/13 team and being selected for the Northern Natal u/17 team at the age of 15. In club cricket, he was one of the top three leading wicket takers last season. During the cricket season, Connor plays for Wicket Wasps at Vryheid Cricket Club, boasting the club’s top bowling figures for the season so far. He plays school rugby in the off season and is always in his age group’s first team.
Kayla will be starting Grade 8 at Vryheid High School in the new year and plans to continue pushing herself to reach her full potential both academically and especially on the cricket pitch.
A star pupil at New Republic School, Kayla has excelled at sports in general throughout her school career, racking up trophies and accolades along the way, but cricket remains her first love. She has played for the boys’ first team in Grades 6 and 7, as well as being selected as the NRS Girl Cricketer of the Year in Grades 5, 6 and 7.
Kayla attended Northern Natal Trials and was selected for the boys’ u/13 Vryheid District team. She won two medals, one for batting and one for bowling, at the annual Dundee Primary School ‘Cowboy 8′ Cricket Festival this year and played hockey for the NRS girls’ first team in Grades 6 and 7. Furthermore, she recently won the trophy for Best Up and Coming Player in badminton.
So where does this talented young lady find the time to study? Who knows? But she somehow manages to remain consistently within the top ten in her class and won the prize for the English Second Language Composition for 2015.
