Hayley Graham Named National Young Leader of the Year

Cricket has been part of Hayley’s life for as long as she can remember. Growing up around the game, with both parents involved and weekends spent at grounds, stepping into cricket felt natural. She began playing five years ago and soon started looking for ways to contribute beyond playing. 

As Hayley explains, “I’ve been around cricket my whole life. I began helping with Blast programs, warm‑ups for teams, and supporting my brother’s teams. From there, my role kept growing as I took on more responsibility.” 

That willingness to step in has grown into a broad contribution across playing, coaching, volunteering and leadership at the Rouse Hill Rams CC. In 2024, Hayley joined the club committee, becoming one of its youngest members. Watching the work that went on behind the scenes motivated her to get involved and help shape the club’s future. 

“Seeing how hard the committee works made me want to be part of those decisions,” she said. “I wanted to give back, and with a younger approach.” 

That younger perspective quickly made an impact through the club’s digital presence. After initially assisting her mum with social media, Hayley took over the club’s platforms and helped grow them into the largest combined following the club has had across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Her focus was on giving people a genuine feel for the club. 

“I wanted to show that our club is based on volunteers and that there’s a lot of work people don’t see,” Hayley said. “Showing that the players can be involved off the field too helps people see we’re one big family.”   

Behind‑the‑scenes storytelling became a defining part of her approach, highlighting the people and volunteer effort that make the club run. 

One of the most impactful examples of this was the club’s popular ‘Out or Not Out’ video series, which used real match scenarios to inspire education as well as engagement.  

“I made it to show kids and parents that decisions on the field are a lot harder than they look,” she said. “It was about highlighting the job umpires do and helping people understand the process.”  

Her work later extended beyond the club, with Hayley invited to assist the Parramatta District Cricket Association with social media. “That felt really good,” she said. “It showed I was being recognised for the work and time I put in.” 

Alongside her leadership and media work, Hayley continues to grow as a coach. After completing her Community Coaching Course, she became the Club’s Cricket Blast Coordinator, designing an eight‑week program focused on fun, engagement and skill development. “I wanted to show that cricket is fun, not just competitive,” she said. 

That creativity was most visible during the club’s first Halloween Cricket Blast Night, organised entirely by Hayley. With kids dressed up and cricket‑inspired activities using broomsticks and pumpkins, the night became a memorable experience for all involved. 

This season, Hayley has also taken the next step into representative cricket as assistant coach of the Parramatta 13/2 side. From running warm‑ups and drills to supporting game‑day organisation, she is developing a strong understanding of coaching at higher levels, while learning through observation and experience. 

Perhaps most impactful is her influence on younger players, particularly girls. “I found it hard growing up not always having girls’ teams,” she said. “I try to inspire girls to play and stay involved.” Through helping establish girls’ teams at her school and encouraging participation, she has become a visible role model within her community. 

Hayley has also played a key role in fundraising initiatives such as a cookie dough campaign and McGrath Foundation activities, bringing the club and wider community together. For McGrath Day, she ensured her Cricket Blast participants were fully involved, organising pink socks and cricket‑based activities, that raised more than $300 for the cause. 

“I love seeing cricketers and the community come together,” she said. “It’s important to show we’re one big club supporting our community as a family.” 

Looking ahead, Hayley plans to complete her Representative Coaching qualification and continue coaching across both club and representative pathways, particularly with girls’ teams. Reflecting on her own journey, she knows the difference representation can make. “Having female coaches helped me so much,” she said. “I’d love to be that person for others.” 

At its core, Hayley’s contribution is driven by a desire to give back to a club that has given her opportunity and confidence. Her National Young Leader of the Year award recognises not only what she has already achieved, but the lasting impact she continues to make on community cricket and the next generation.