Ellyse Alexandra Perry is a name that resonates with pride and achievement in the sporting realm. Born on November 3, 1990, this Australian sportswoman has made her country proud by representing it in two different sports – Cricket and Soccer.
Not only did she debut for both national teams at an early age of 16, but she also became the first person to have appeared in both International Cricket Council (ICC) and Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cups.
Let’s delve deeper into the life and career of this extraordinary athlete.
Who is Ellyse Perry?
Ellyse Perry is an Australian cricketer and former footballer who has represented her country in both sports at an international level. She debuted for both the national cricket team and the national soccer team at the age of 16, making her the youngest Australian to play international cricket and the first to have appeared in both ICC and FIFA World Cups. Over time, she transitioned to being a single-sport professional athlete, focusing solely on her cricket career which continues to flourish.
Early Life and Background
Ellyse Perry is one of the most accomplished and versatile sportswomen in the world. She has represented Australia in both cricket and soccer, and has achieved remarkable feats in both disciplines.
Born in the suburb of Wahroonga in Sydney, she grew up in a sporty family, with her father Mark playing cricket and squash, and her mother Kathy playing soccer and tennis.
Perry developed a passion for sports from a young age and excelled in cricket, soccer, tennis, athletics, and touch football. She attended Beecroft Public School and Pymble Ladies’ College, where she was a sports captain, Athletics Captain, and Cricket Captain.
She also participated in various other sports such as tennis, athletics, touch football, and golf. Post her schooling, she went on to study Economic and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney.
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ellyse Alexandra Perry |
| Nickname | Pez |
| Other Names(s) (also known as) | None |
| Date of Birth | 3 November 1990 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 32 years |
| Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Birthplace | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Hometown | Wahroonga, Sydney, Australia |
| Current Address | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Education Qualification | Bachelor of Economic and Social Sciences from University of Sydney |
| Hobbies and Interests | Tennis, athletics, touch football, golf, writing books |
| Languages Known | English |
| Social Media Profiles | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter |
| Wikipedia Profile | Ellyse Perry Wikipedia |
| ESPN Cricinfo Profile | Ellyse Perry ESPN Cricinfo |
| Official Website | Ellyse Perry Official Website |
Physical Appearance
| Physical Stats | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Body Measurements (Chest – Waist – Hips) | 34-26-35 inches |
| Height in feet, inches, cm | 5’9.5″, 176 cm |
| Weight in kg, lbs | 60 kg, 132 lbs |
| Chest | 34 inches |
| Waist | 26 inches |
| Biceps | N/A |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Hairstyle | Long, wavy |
| Distinctive Features | Freckles, smile |
| Tattoos | None |
Family and Relationships
Ellyse Perry was born to Mark Perry, who has been an instrumental figure in shaping her successful sports career, and Kathy Perry. She has a sibling named Damien Perry. In her personal life, Perry was married to Australian rugby player Matt Toomua. However, after five years of marriage, she announced their separation.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse – Husband | Matt Toomua |
| Father | Mark Perry |
| Mother | Kathy Perry |
| Children (list) | None |
| Siblings (list) | None |
| Affairs – Girlfriend(s) (list) | None |
| Significant Relationships | Matt Toomua (spouse) |
Ellyse Perry’s Cricket Career
Perry’s cricket career took off when she was selected for the New South Wales team for the under-19 interstate tournament in January 2007, soon after she turned 16.
Her exceptional performance in these matches led to her selection in the Australian youth team for a New Zealand tour. Despite her underperformance in this tour, Perry made her One-Day International debut against New Zealand in July 2007, becoming the youngest ever cricketer to represent Australia.
Achievements and Records of Ellyse Perry as a Cricketer
In her illustrious cricket career, Perry has set several records. She became the youngest Australian Test cricketer at the age of 17 years and 3 months and the first Australian to have appeared in both cricket and football World Cups.
On 17 November 2018, she became the first cricketer for Australia, male or female, to play in 100 Twenty20 International matches.
She also became the first player to score 1,000 runs and pick up 100 wickets in the T20I format. These records bear testament to her skill and dedication to the sport.
Ellyse Perry’s Soccer Career
Alongside her cricketing endeavours, Perry also pursued a career in soccer. She made her international football debut at the age of 16.
During her soccer career, she received several accolades including the W-League Young Player of the Year in 2009 and Canberra United Player of the Year in the same year.
Playing for Australia
Ellyse Perry represented Australia in soccer with as much passion and dedication as she did in cricket. However, in 2012, she was faced with a tough decision when Heather Reid, the chief executive of Canberra United FC, asked her to choose between soccer and cricket.
Despite the challenge, Perry managed to balance both her sporting careers until eventually, she had to make a choice. Choosing cricket over soccer, Perry continued to excel in her chosen field while leaving a lasting legacy in Australian soccer.
Career Stats, Awards and Achievement
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Sport(s) | Soccer and cricket |
| Jersey No. | 8 for soccer, 8 for cricket |
| Position | Midfielder for soccer, all-rounder for cricket |
| Career Debut | 2007 for soccer, 2007 for cricket |
| Professional Club(s) | Sydney FC, Canberra United, Perth Glory, Western Sydney Wanderers (soccer); New South Wales (NSW) Breakers, Sydney Sixers, Victoria Spirit (cricket) |
| National Team(s) | Australia (soccer and cricket) |
| Club Career | 2008-2012, 2015-2016 (Sydney FC); 2012-2013 (Canberra United); 2014-2015 (Perth Glory); 2019-2020 (Western Sydney Wanderers) |
| International Career | 2007-present (soccer and cricket) |
| Coach / Mentor | Alen Stajcic, Ante Milicic, Tony Gustavsson (soccer); Lisa Keightley, Matthew Mott (cricket) |
| Individual Awards | Young Australian of the Year (2016), ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2017), ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Year (2019), ICC Women’s T20I Player of the Year (2020), Belinda Clark Award (2016, 2018, 2020), Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award (2017, 2019), The Don Award (2019), Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World (2016, 2019), Australian Women’s Health Sportswoman of the Year (2018, 2019), Sport Australia Hall of Fame Don Award finalist (2013, 2015, 2017) |
| Team Honors | FIFA Women’s World Cup runner-up (2011), AFC Women’s Asian Cup winner (2010), Olympic Games quarter-finalist (2008, 2016), ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup winner (2013), ICC Women’s T20 World Cup winner (2010, 2012, 2014, 2020), Women’s Big Bash League winner (2016-17, 2019-20) |
| Records and Milestones | Youngest Australian to play international cricket (16 years and 8 months), Youngest Australian to play international soccer (16 years and 3 months), First Australian to appear in both cricket and soccer World Cups, First player to score 1,000 runs and take 100 wickets in T20Is, First player to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in a Test match |
| Other Achievements | Bachelor of Economic and Social Sciences from University of Sydney, Author of children’s book series “Ellyse Perry Adventures”, Co-host of sports podcast “Ordineroli Speaking” |
| Endorsements and Sponsorships | Adidas, Fox Sports, Toyota, Rebel Sport, SCG Trust, Hublot, Gatorade |
| Charity Work | McGrath Foundation ambassador, Football United ambassador, Redkite ambassador |
| Training and Development | Strength and conditioning training at NSW Institute of Sport, Skill development sessions with club and national coaches, Recovery and rehabilitation programs after injuries |
| Major Tournaments and Events | FIFA Women’s World Cup, AFC Women’s Asian Cup, Olympic Games, ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Women’s Big Bash League |
| Style of Play | Versatile, dynamic, composed, aggressive, influential |
| Notable Collaborations and Partnerships | Co-captain of Australian women’s cricket team with Meg Lanning, Co-author of children’s books with Sherryl Clark, Co-host of podcast with Neroli Meadows, Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Steve Smith, Virat Kohli |
Assets and Finances
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | 800 crores (Rs.), 10 million (Dollars) |
| Salary (Annual) | 7 crores (Rs.), 1 million (Dollars) |
| Per Game Charges | N/A |
| Per Endorsement Charges | N/A |
| Sponsorship Deals | Jockey, Toyota, Commonwealth Bank, Rebel Sport, Fox Sports |
| Business Ventures | N/A |
| Investments | N/A |
| Real Estate Holdings | N/A |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | N/A |
| Cars Collection | Toyota Kluger |
Balancing Both Sports
For many years, Perry juggled her cricket and soccer commitments, often playing matches for both sports in quick succession. However, with the growing demands of both sports requiring full-time commitment, Perry had to make a choice.
In a 2018 interview, Perry reflected on this transition, stating that both sports had grown so much that they required people to be full-time professional athletes. She chose cricket and hasn’t played any football recently, though she deeply cherishes her time playing the sport.
Off the Field
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Perry is known for her scholarly pursuits. After completing her Higher School Certificate in 2008, Perry studied Economic and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney.
She also authored a series of children’s books with Sherryl Clark, showcasing her multifaceted personality.
In her personal life, Perry was married to Australian rugby union player Matt Toomua, but the couple announced their separation after five years of marriage.
10 Facts about Ellyse Perry
1. Ellyse Perry is the youngest ever cricketer to represent Australia.
2. She is the only person to have played for Australia in both cricket and soccer World Cups.
3. Perry debuted for both the national cricket team and the national soccer team at the age of 16.
4. She has represented Australia in cricket and soccer.
5. Gradually, Perry became a single-sport professional athlete from 2014 onwards, focusing on cricket.
6. Perry has authored children’s books with Sherly Clark.
7. She was once married to Australian rugby player Matt Toomua, but they announced their divorce after five years of marriage.
8. Perry has received several awards and accolades throughout her career, including being named the W-League Young Player of the Year in 2009.
9. She holds the record for being the first cricketer for Australia, male or female, to take 100 wickets in Twenty20 International matches.
10. Perry is widely considered one of the greatest female cricket players of all time.
Final Thoughts on Ellyse Perry
Ellyse Perry’s journey from a talented young athlete to an accomplished sportswoman has been nothing short of remarkable. With her exceptional skills and unwavering dedication, she has shattered records and achieved great success in both cricket and soccer.
Perry’s ability to balance her dual sporting careers and excel in both is a testament to her remarkable talent and work ethic.
As she continues to make waves in the world of cricket and leave her mark on the sporting landscape, there is no doubt that Ellyse Perry will be remembered as one of the greatest athletes of her generation.
