Cricket talent runs deep in local family
Above: Courtney Sippel plays for Brisbane Heat and has been selected for Australia A, while grandad Nev, of Woombye, also pictured, plays for the Queensland Over 70s side.
The Kratzmann family of Woombye, and formerly from the Murgon District, is renowned in cricketing circles for their talent and dedication to the sport. With three generations of players, the family’s passion for the game runs deep.
The youngest member, a rising star Courtney Sippel, has recently been named in the Australia A squad traveling to the UK in mid-June. Her mother, Leanne couldn’t be prouder of her daughter’s achievement. “Courtney has worked extremely hard and made many sacrifices to get to this position. That dedication has begun to pay for her, with this her second-time selection into Aussie A.”
Leanne, who last season started playing with Hinterland – a merged Palmwoods, Yandina and Nambour team - in the Sunshine Coast women’s Tier 1 competition, is thrilled to be following in her father Nev Kratzmann’s footsteps. Nev, at 79 years of age, played for the Palmwoods Cricket Club last season, currently plays Qld Veteran’s Over 60s for Sunshine Coast, and for the Queensland Over 70s side. He enjoys training twice-weekly with the Sunshine Coast Over 60s. Leanne’s two brothers, Mark and Andrew Kratzmann, both play Veteran’s Over 50s for Sunshine Coast and Queensland.
Leanne said her family’s love for cricket has brought them closer together and inspired them to reach their fullest potential. “The Kratzmann family, for many generations, has had a strong link with cricket. It’s a wonderful team sport with a great social aspect. If anyone is wanting to give cricket a go, especially the ladies of our district, contact your nearest club, have a chat and join.”
Leanne is a bowen therapist working from Woombye Chiropractic Clinic every Friday. “Bowen therapy is a wonderful way of successfully treating sporting injuries, or any pain really, and has been a blessing for keeping our family functioning well and on the move.”