YOUNG Tasmanian star Julia Cavanough has already made a lot of sacrifices to get where she is today in her cricketing career.

Originally from Queensland, she started playing cricket as a youngster and followed a path many young girls around the country do into the sport.

“I’ve played cricket for, well this is probably my 10th year now,” Cavanough said.

“I started when I was about eight because my brother played, my dad was the coach and got me into it. I played boys cricket up until I was about 12, and then I played second grade women’s for a bit and then first grade women’s up until now.”

Cavanough first played first grade cricket at the ripe old age of 12, and despite being so young she has already shown she is not afraid to make big interstate moves for better opportunities.

“I didn’t have a contract with Queensland, I was just playing underage cricket there so when I was given a contract for Tassie it was pretty much a no-brainer,” she said.

“Obviously moving states to play without your family is a big deal and it’s definitely a nerve wracking move. But it was definitely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

On top of her WNCL duties, the 18-year-old has now made three appearances at the Under 19s nationals. Speaking on her third tournament, Cavanough says she thrived on being a more “senior” player out there.

“I’ve been in three Under 19 championships, but it was my first time playing for a team other than Queensland,” she said. “It was a bit strange playing against them but it was a good experience.”

Despite a strong Under 19 National Championships this summer, Cavanough was overlooked for the inaugural Australian Under 19 World Cup squad.

Making the squad was a goal of hers prior to the tournament, though Cavanough fully realised how competitive the process would be and was realistic about how difficult it is to make the cut.

In perspective, even being in contention is quite a feat. As Cavanough came up through the pathways, it only struck her a few years ago that she would be good enough to make it in the sport.

“[I was] maybe 15 or 16,” she said. “I made my first Under 19 championships side, which was actually played in Tassie, so I think that was probably a big moment for me when I made that side and was opening the bowling in that team.

“I thought, because there were a few girls in that team that were already state contracted, and I figure I was playing at the level to get state contracted and I pretty well held my own then when I was 16.”

Cricket is not the only thing keeping Cavanough busy, with the young star also studying a Bachelor of Health Science part-time.

Ever in the moment, her focus in terms of cricket is not long-term, but rather focusing on the now and improving herself there.