Sienna Eve started off her cricket career as a seamer.
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However, stress fractures in her back around the 2017-18 season made the Speers Point teenager reassess and she turned to spin.
Now, as a left-arm orthodox bowler, Eve achieved a personal goal by being selected in the female Cricket Australia under-15 squad following the recent national championships for that age group in Canberra.
"It was very exciting. I was lost for words and so shocked," Eve told the Newcastle Herald about her name being read out post tournament.
"All my hard work paid off. This had been my goal for a while. Ever since I had stress fractures. I've pushed myself and worked towards it."
Skill sessions at Empire Park, gym work and running each week have helped Eve develop and come September, she will be one of 26 players who attend a camp at the National Training Centre in Brisbane.
A team will also be picked to play at next summer's female under-18 Australian titles.
"I think I'll be able to learn so much when we go away," Eve said.
"A lot of new skills and meeting new people, it will be a very good experience."
Eve, who turned 15 years of age last month and attends high school at Macquarie College, was originally introduced to the sport in the lounge room at home.
"I always saw dad and my granddad watching cricket on the TV at home," she said.
"My mum and grandma weren't that big on cricket, but I really wanted to know how it worked. They taught me all the rules and I kept bugging them to play."
Eventually, aged around nine or 10, Eve played her first game when visiting family friends in the Blue Mountains.
"One of dad's mates coached a [junior] team there," she said.
"We were visiting one time and he said they had a spare spot. I filled in and I loved it."
Eve's next move was signing up for the Warners Bay-Cardiff club, playing a season alongside the boys.
She then connected with City via coaching duo Tom Anderson and Lyle McGuigan and has been with the Sabres ever since, featuring an all-girl's team.
"She came into my under-14 all girls club team when she was 12," Anderson said.
"This is a boys cricket competition. Normally goes the other way. She actually could have been playing under 10s. She was brave and skilful, but more importantly she loves the game and her teammates."
Eve stepped up into the senior ranks this summer, playing for City in the inaugural Newcastle District Cricket Association women's T20 league. She was named player of the final, taking 3-4 off three overs.
She also lines up for Northern Districts in Sydney's Brewer Shield and was lucky enough to attend the Women's T20 World Cup final at the MCG earlier this month.
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