Wellington Blaze wicketkeeper batter Jess McFadyen has had to bide her time to eventually earn an opportunity to represent the WHITE FERNS.
McFadyen was offered her first New Zealand central contract for the 2021/22 season but didn't make an appearance as she continued to play the incumbent to first-choice wicketkeeper Katey Martin.
McFadyen was again contracted for the 2022/23 season and was part of the WHITE FERNS squad which claimed bronze at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, but did not play a game.
McFadyen was eventually selected to make her long-awaited international debut for the first T20 against Bangladesh in November 2023, but illness further delayed her first international appearance.
She finally, and fittingly, made her WHITE FERNS debut at her home ground, the Basin Reserve in the first ODI against Bangladesh a week later, going on to appear in all three matches.
McFadyen's athletic career looked like it was destined for the Black Sticks, rather than the WHITE FERNS. She spent four years in North Carolina on a four-year hockey scholarship at Wake Forest University, renowned for its strong field hockey programme.
McFadyen prospered in her years at Wake Forest, becoming a critical goal scorer and defender for the Deacon Demons, and adopting a strong work ethic.
But when it was time to come home in 2015, McFadyen had a sporting change of heart and opted to switch back to cricket.
A key member of the ever-successful Wellington Blaze outfit, McFadyen lifted the 2019/20 and 2021/22 Dream11 Super Smash with the Blaze, and was part of the Blaze team that lifted the 2022/23 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield.
McFadyen also plays a key role in sport away from the field, as Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Capital Football.
