(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Cricket West Indies Hosts Player Development Workshop for Rising Stars Women’s U19 Championship
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has reaffirmed its commitment to holistic athlete development with a comprehensive Player Development Workshop during the annual Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship, held on July 9 at the Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago.
This engaging workshop focused on preparing young female cricketers for the challenges of modern sport—both on and off the field. Participants benefited from sessions in sports psychology, nutrition, personal branding, social media awareness, and child protection rights, equipping them with valuable life skills for personal growth and professional success.
Experts Lead Inspiring Sessions
The event featured guidance from a team of experienced professionals, including:
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Dr. Nadine Sammy, Mental Skills Coach for the West Indies Senior Women’s Team, who led a session on leadership and mental resilience in sport.
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Karishma Ramharack, current West Indies women’s player, who shared her personal journey and offered advice on transitioning into higher levels of cricket.
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Jason Williams, media personality, who conducted training on media engagement and social media management.
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Keele Lawrence-Chan, who shared insights into child protection and athlete welfare.
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Safiya Beckford, who presented on athlete nutrition for performance and recovery.
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Samantha Best, who collaborated on the digital media sessions.
Encouraging Leadership and Life Skills
Now in its fifth year, the Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship plays a critical role in CWI’s long-term player development strategy and serves as a key platform for identifying future West Indies stars.
Speaking on the leadership session, Dr. Sammy emphasized the importance of self-awareness and adaptability. “We explored different leadership styles and encouraged players to reflect on which ones resonate with them,” she said. “The goal is to help them understand how to lead effectively on and off the field.”
Karishma Ramharack praised the open forum format. “It was a great opportunity for the players to ask real questions about their careers and future. I’m happy to have shared my experience in a way that I believe will support their growth,” she said.
Jason Williams highlighted the importance of digital media training in today’s sports world. “Helping these young athletes build confidence in media environments is essential. They’re the future ambassadors of West Indies cricket,” he said.
CWI’s Holistic Approach to Youth Development
CWI’s Rising Stars program continues to evolve as a cornerstone of regional cricket development. By incorporating personal development into its core strategy, CWI ensures that its athletes are well-rounded, confident, and prepared for both the professional game and life beyond the sport.
A similar personal development workshop was also held for the Rising Stars Men’s U19 Championship in St. Kitts and Nevis, further highlighting CWI’s dedication to supporting youth cricket across the Caribbean.
Thanks to Our Partners
CWI extends sincere thanks to the Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre in Port-of-Spain for hosting the event and to Balroop’s Group for providing the audio-visual support that made the workshop a success.
