Multi-sport talent Sophie Van De Heuvel has set her sights on completing a rare sporting double after being selected by Geelong second overall at the AFL women’s draft.
The talented footballer is hoping to earn a Women’s Big Bash League contract to accompany her AFLW selection, and juggle both commitments as she starts her football career.
“I’ll play premier cricket with Essendon and if I’m fortunate enough I’ll look for a Big Bash contract,” Van De Heuvel said.
“I started cricket when I was about nine just with the boys in Ballarat at Golden Point. I played with them and then worked my way up to Premier Cricket and I’m now playing with Essendon and Melbourne.
“I also represented Victoria in the under 18 nationals.”
The all-rounder has the full support of Geelong as she pursues her goals in both sports.
“The Cats are pretty flexible, they said they’d allow me to play both,” she said.
“It’s been pretty crazy the last 12 months trying to juggle it all, especially with school but it’s been amazing and I can’t wait to keep doing it.”
Van De Heuvel pulled on the boots for Williamstown in the VFLW this season, alongside Jess Duffin who played for both the Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL and Collingwood in the AFLW last summer.
The number two pick is looking forward to getting her hands dirty in Geelong and pairing up with Vic Country teammate and number one overall selection Nina Morrison.
“Nina is an amazing girl and to be able to be up there at the draft next to her is an amazing feeling. She deserves it more than anyone,” Van de Heuvel said.
“It’s an absolute honour to be drafted to Geelong. I guess as a little girl it’s a dream to play AFL so it’s such a surreal feeling and I couldn’t be happier.
“I think I’m just looking forward to meeting all the girls and working with all the coaches. To be alongside some of the [Greater Western Victoria] Rebels girls too is amazing.”