When Chloe Hill took over the captaincy of the Worcestershire Women’s Rapids a few seasons ago, she freely admits she was “inexperienced.” Now, following a period of personal growth and significant changes within women’s cricket, Hill is poised to lead a refreshed Rapids side into Tier Two – an exciting new challenge for the county.
Reflecting on her first year as captain, Hill acknowledges how far she has come:
“I think I’ve definitely grown from when I first took it on,” she says. “I was probably inexperienced in that first year of captaincy, but over the years, I’ve got to learn my role, help communicate with the girls, understand them, and support them in the best way I can.”
Hill’s evolution as a leader has coincided with a wider shift in women’s cricket. As Worcestershire move into Tier Two, the level of professionalism rises, and so do the expectations placed on the captain. Nevertheless, Hill feels calm and prepared:
“I definitely feel in a good place going into this season now.”
The jump to Tier Two has sparked considerable transition. Some experienced players have left for Tier One opportunities, while a wave of young talent has emerged from the Worcestershire pathway. Hill sees both challenge and opportunity in that dynamic.
“Obviously, we’ve had a big change in players,” she says. “We lost quite a few experienced players to Tier One, but the youth coming through has brought competition for places. Usually it would just be the more mature cricketers, but now you’ve got young players who will be knocking on the door.”
Bringing such a diverse group together demands purposeful leadership. Hill and her coaching staff have focused on fostering a spirit of unity during pre-season training sessions, ensuring everyone feels welcome and able to share ideas:
“We’re in a good place,” she notes. “Making new friends with new players has happened really quickly and naturally.”
An exciting development for Worcestershire Women’s Rapids is the arrival of Ed Wilson, who has come onboard as Head of Women’s and Girls’ Cricket. According to Hill, Wilson’s appointment has helped the squad zero in on performance goals.
“Now we’ve finalised the squad, we’re able to have training specifically tailored to individual needs,” she explains. “Whereas before, when we were still trialing, it was on a broader scale. With Ed’s structure in place, we’re ready to go into the season, making sure we’re on top of batting, bowling, and fielding.”
Although Hill wants players to feel free to “express themselves” on the field, she makes no secret of her desire to compete at the highest level:
“I’ve always been a competitor,” she says with a smile. “I want to go out there and win every game we can. That’s obviously our main focus.”
Still, player development remains a priority at Tier Two. Worcestershire aims not just to win but to nurture the county’s future stars:
“We are looking to develop those players into professional cricketers later down the line,” Hill says, highlighting the squad’s long-term objectives.
Hill won’t be carrying the leadership mantle alone. Stalwarts like Clare Boycott and Jess Humby provide essential continuity, guiding younger players as they enter a more competitive environment.
“It’s the experience of the established players combined with new and younger players coming through,” she points out. “Their knowledge of Worcestershire and the women’s game is so important. The younger ones should be looking up to them as role models.”
A headline addition to this year’s squad is Gwen Davies, a player with significant regional experience for Central Sparks. For Hill, signing a proven performer like Davies is a statement of ambition.
“She’s a really exciting signing,” Hill enthuses. “She’s been a professional cricketer for so many years, and her knowledge of the game will make us stronger.”
Alongside Gwen Davies, the Rapids have also added Poppy Davis, another Central Sparks player with high-level experience. By blending such seasoned talent with homegrown youth, Worcestershire aims to create a side balanced in both experience and skill sets.
From specialist batters to bowlers, all-rounders, and wicket-keepers, the Rapids have made a concerted effort to ensure their roster is evenly spread:
“We wanted to get it right, we didn’t want to be top heavy on batters or bowlers,” Hill explains. “Going into this season, we need that even split to cover all bases.”
One of the most significant developments is the professional support now available at the Tier Two level. From Strength & Conditioning (S&C) to physio, nutrition, and sports psychology, Worcestershire’s players will benefit from an infrastructure once reserved for top-tier teams.
“For those of us who’ve been in the regional setup, it’s become the norm. But for the girls who haven’t experienced it, it’s really exciting,” says Hill. “Being able to access S&C, psych support, and medical healthcare will make Tier Two so strong. It’s a really exciting place for Worcestershire women to be.”
With her own leadership growth clear and a vibrant mix of players at her side, Chloe Hill’s enthusiasm for the season ahead is palpable. She speaks with conviction about both immediate goals, winning matches in Tier Two, and the longer-term mission of developing Worcestershire’s future professional cricketers.
“As captain, it’s about bringing the best out of everyone,” she says, summing up the challenge that lies ahead. “We’re ready to compete, to win, and also to grow. That’s what this new era in Tier Two is all about.”
