Of course, studying econometrics takes up a lot of time for everyone. However, there are enough econometricians that practice a hobby, ranging from baking to sailing and everything in between. In this new rubric, People with Passion, we interview FAECTORians who have a certain passion. First up is Babette de Leede, 19 years old and a freshman. Her ‘passion’ is cricket. Hence, we asked her some questions regarding this sport and how she manages to combine it with her study.
At what age did you start playing cricket?
I think I was 4 years old. As soon as my younger brother could walk, we played cricket together in the living room. My grandfather used to play cricket and then his four sons played cricket, so the De Leede family is a true cricket family. Since my whole family plays cricket, playing cricket was part of our lives growing up for my brother and I. However, our parents have never forced us; we were free to do whatever we wanted.
Did you play any other sports?
I played hockey for 11 years. Last summer I decided to quit. Initially I played in the highest teams of Cartouche in Voorburg, but at the age of 12 I moved to a ‘lower’ team with friends and I have played with them until this year.
Was the sports club close to your home initially (when you started at a, I assume, ‘normal’ level), or are there so few places to practice that you immediately had to travel far?
My cricket club is located in Voorburg, a 10 minute drive. I started there and I still play there. For games, I have to travel a bit further, but most of the cricket clubs are located in the Randstad, so I never have to play that far away. The trainings of the national team are in Rotterdam in winter and in Amsterdam and Utrecht in summer, so that’s quite a lot travelling. The games we play with the national team are in England, because we take part in the ECB (the English league). This means we travel to England every week in April and May.
When did you realise you had ‘a talent’?
When I was 14 years old, I was asked to come and train with the Dutch national team as one of the youngest players ever. After a few trainings, they asked me if I was available for the tours to England. I had played in the Dutch youth teams since I was 10 years old, but until that phone call I had never thought of playing for the national team. Obviously I said I would be available and I was already on tour with the Dutch national team in England a month later!
In what team are you currently?
I play in two teams at my club VCC: a boys’ team and the women’s team and besides those two teams I play for the Dutch national team.
Are there more men than women who play the sport?
Yes, just a few women play cricket, whereas there are relatively a lot of men who play cricket. I think there are approximately 40 cricket clubs in the Netherlands of which only 10 have a women’s team.
Did you have any international matches?
My first international game was at the age of 16. We took part in the World Cup Qualifiers in Thailand; we played against Ireland, China, Thailand, Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea. In 2016 and 2017 we played qualifiers for the WC qualifiers against Scotland and USA in England and Scotland. Last summer, the World Cup Qualifiers were in the Netherlands and we played against UAE, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, Uganda and Thailand.
What was the most special moment you experienced?
Last summer we participated in the World Cup Qualifiers and after that tournament the ICC (FIFA of cricket) organised a trip to England for the best 13 players that took part in the WCQ. That ‘ICC global development team’ was going to play five games against three teams of the highest level in England. I had been selected which was an absolute honour, so I played against internationals from England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. I even played against the captain of England Heather Knight, whereas in the summer of 2017 I was watching her in the finals of the World Cup. We won three games which was great!
Do you have any specific preparations before an important match?
For breakfast, I have yogurt with fruit and some muesli if possible. Before the game I want to hit some balls, but that’s it. Some of my team mates have some weird traditions like wearing specific socks or put on your right shoe first, but that would drive me crazy.
Do you have any dietary restrictions?
In winter, we have weight tests and fat measurements, so it’s your own responsibility to make sure you are improving by doing the fitness and eating healthy. In summer, especially before an international tournament, we don’t drink alcohol.
Did cricket, besides playing cricket, teach you anything?
Yes, individually, it teaches me to never give up, both mentally and physically. As a team, it teaches us to work together and work hard to achieve a goal we all have.
Can you combine it easily with studying econometrics?
I only have been practicing for one month, but so far so good. With the national team, we started practicing in November. However, the cricket season only starts in April/May so then I will be busy with club trainings and games and national team training games. In winter, I have one cricket training with the Dutch national team, one private training, one gym session with the team and two gym sessions on my own. In summer, I have two cricket trainings with the national team, two with my club teams, two club games and two gym sessions on my own. So in winter I have time to spend some time on fun stuff, but in summer it’s a bit harder.
Do you have ambitions to keep on developing yourself in the field of cricket?
Absolutely, since I have been in the ICC global development squad, I’m aware of the possibility to play at that level. Currently, that’s my personal goal. With the Dutch team I’d love to play a World Cup.