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From EHS to the Women’s Ashes

Senior School | Sixth Form | Laurels Association

31 January 2025

Polly Starkie’s journey from EHS to covering the Women’s Ashes for The Telegraph and The Cricketer is an inspiring one, demonstrating how early interests, determination, and consistent effort can lead to incredible opportunities in the world of journalism. Having recently reported from Australia, Polly shared her insights on her time at EHS, the path she’s taken in sports journalism, and her experience reporting on one of cricket’s biggest events. 

What sparked your interest in journalism, and did any specific teachers or experiences at EHS inspire your career? 

“My interest in journalism was sparked by the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) I did in Year 12. It focused on the development of women’s cricket in England, and writing about it made me realise I could pursue a career in journalism. Miss Richardson, my EPQ supervisor, was a cricket fan and historian, and she encouraged me throughout the process. Additionally, studying History and Politics at A-Level, particularly with Miss Glover and Miss Stephenson, helped me develop skills that I use in journalism every day.” 

Did you take part in any extracurricular activities at EHS that helped shape your career? 

“I was involved in a variety of sports at EHS, including hockey, athletics, and rounders. I also had the opportunity to write about cricket when I was sports secretary. Mock trials with Mr. Smith helped me gain a better understanding of the legal side of journalism, and participating in election debates improved my pitching and presentation skills—valuable for my work now as a journalist.” 

How did you go from EHS to covering the Women’s Ashes for The Telegraph and The Cricketer? 

“It started in Year 11 when I began a women’s cricket podcast with my dad. Our first interview was with England cricketer Kate Cross, which was a great introduction to the world of journalism. During Sixth Form, I spent my lunchtimes writing match reports and eventually earned my first byline with The Cricketer. Over the years, I worked to raise my profile by applying for work experience and commentating on regional women’s cricket. When I decided to go to Australia for the Women’s Ashes as a freelancer, The Telegraph and The Cricketer soon reached out, and everything fell into place.” 

What’s been the most memorable part of reporting on the Women’s Ashes so far? 

“Being in Australia for the first time has been a big highlight, not just for the cricket, but for the opportunity to explore different parts of the country. The ‘Ashes train’ has allowed me to visit cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, and I’ve been able to share the media space with some top writers and broadcasters. It’s also been great to experience the camaraderie among the journalists, despite the fierce cricket rivalry.” 

What advice would you give to current EHS students who want to pursue a career in journalism? 

“Journalism, especially sports journalism, is competitive, so you need to be prepared for rejections and keep pushing for opportunities. Finding your niche is important—it can help you stand out and develop expertise in specific areas. Networking is also key. Making good impressions on editors and other writers can lead to future opportunities. Finally, be open to new experiences. Even if an opportunity doesn’t seem ideal at first, it’s a chance to learn and build your portfolio.” 

What’s next for you in your career? 

“I’m always juggling multiple projects. This summer, I launched La Reina Magazine, a women’s football publication, and we release it quarterly. I’m also working with Burnley FC on social media and marketing, which adds to my skill set. On top of that, I’ll continue covering cricket with commentary gigs planned, including the England team’s upcoming matches against India and the West Indies. As I approach my final year of university, I’m focused on gaining as much experience as I can.” 

Where can we read your work? 

You can read my coverage of the Women’s Ashes in The Telegraph here:  

12 Jan - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2025/01/12/australia-england-batting-depth-poor-catching-womens-ashes/ 

14 Jan - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2025/01/14/womens-ashes-second-cricket-odi-australia-v-england/ 

17 Jan - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2025/01/17/womens-ashes-2025-england-v-australia-third-odi/  

Polly Starkie’s story highlights the importance of persistence, networking, and finding your niche in the competitive world of journalism. From her early days at EHS to covering the Women’s Ashes, she’s shown how determination and seizing opportunities can open doors in the world of sports media.  

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