Worcestershire Women’s Rapids captain Chloe Hill has been awarded her first-ever full-time professional contract by Southern Vipers.
Keeper-batter Hill has been rewarded after a successful spell on loan to the Vipers last season, in which she helped them reach the final of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy at Lord’s.
She had previously been on a retainer contract with Central Sparks and also when making a move to the Vipers on a permanent basis this winter.
But the professional contract means that Hill, aged 26, can focus fully on developing and progressing her career.
Increased ECB funding has allowed for the number of professionally contracted players in each region to be increased from seven to 10 from February 2023.
She said: “I had meetings with the Vipers and was offered a full-time professional contract which is fantastic news.
“At the Sparks and Vipers last year on loan, I was on a retainer contract, a bit like a rookie contract.
“Now I’m on a full-time contract and don’t have to worry about other things now which is great.
“Obviously alongside my retainer contracts previously, I was coaching endless hours, late nights, early starts, so I can relax now a little bit more going into the summer, which is great, and have more time to develop my skills.”
Hill played in six matches for the Vipers in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, making important contributions with the bat of 55 against Sunrisers and 43 not out versus Thunder.
She also replaced Carla Rudd behind the stumps for the RHFT eliminator and the final, which the Vipers lost by two runs to Northern Diamonds.
Hill added: I feel like the second half of last season definitely fought my corner a lot and showcased what I can do.
“It was a big season for me in all aspects, with the bat, with the gloves, and with the opportunities I had.
“It was a good stage of my career, and now I want to keep pushing on.
“I knew meetings (about contracts) were coming, and it was one of those where I wanted to think positively, but always in the back of your mind, you’ve got that ‘what if’ thought about whether it will happen or not.”
Hill will again captain the Rapids this summer as they look to build on the success experienced in T20 and 50 over cricket during 2022.
