Sophie Devine discusses mental breakdown on the cricket pitch | Runners Only! Podcast wth Dom Harvey
Episode Description
EP32 Runners Only! with Dom Harvey & Sophie Devine ____________________ This podcast has been brought to you by Arepa. It’s a high-performance brain drink made right here in Aotearoa with blackcurrant and bark (definitely can't taste the bark though.... it's yummy as). Go to https://www.drinkarepa.com and use the DISCOUNT CODE DOM20 for a 20% discount. _____________________ Sophie Devine is pretty much NZ sporting royalty (She will squirm big time at that sentence!).
She’s played hockey for NZ and she is currently the captain of the White Ferns cricket team. She made her first-class debut at 14 and has been on the national side since she was 17 (she’s 32 now).
She’s a bloody laugh and I loved our chat. She was 100% open and honest about a terrifying breakdown she experienced that saw her walk away from the game she loves until she felt ready to return. We also talk about living with diabetes, her really-really long-distance relationship, playing in all-boys teams as a kid and loads more.
There's a fair bit of cricket chat in here. But she's such a good storyteller that it is all pretty good stuff.
Follow Sophie on IG: @Sophd77
Listen via Apple Music: https://rebrand.ly/RunnersOnly_Apple Listen via Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/RunnersOnly_Spotify
Who should be on the podcast next? Message Dom Instagram: @domharveynz Email: [email protected]
Video produced by: www.dougiemackie.com
If you enjoyed the podcast and would like for your business to sponsor an episode, please email [email protected]
Brief Summary
Sophie Devine discusses mental health, her sports journey, and the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
Key points
- Sophie Devine's Journey. Sophie shares her evolution from not understanding depression to recognizing its impact.
- The Importance of Fun in Sports. Sophie emphasizes the need for kids to enjoy sports rather than focus solely on competition.
- Frustration Over Cricket Ban. At just 12, the speaker struggles with being told they can’t play cricket anymore.
- Juggling Two Sports. The speaker reflects on the challenges and excitement of being a double international athlete.
- The Challenge of Growing Up. Navigating the pressures of cricket and puberty, learning to adapt and outsmart opponents.
- Breaking Down Before a Game. Facing immense pressure, she breaks down emotionally before a match, revealing the struggles of mental health.
Ask about Dom Harvey
Episode highlights
- Sophie Devine's JourneySophie shares her evolution from not understanding depression to recognizing its impact.“I can understand if you don’t brush your teeth for two weeks.”0:15Oct 24, 2022
- The Importance of Fun in SportsSophie emphasizes the need for kids to enjoy sports rather than focus solely on competition.“Kids just go play, just have fun.”9:19Oct 24, 2022
- Frustration Over Cricket BanAt just 12, the speaker struggles with being told they can’t play cricket anymore.“That’s cruel, yeah it was!”17:01Oct 24, 2022
- Juggling Two SportsThe speaker reflects on the challenges and excitement of being a double international athlete.“I was juggling both and then I made the black sticks team in 2009.”24:57Oct 24, 2022
- The Challenge of Growing UpNavigating the pressures of cricket and puberty, learning to adapt and outsmart opponents.“I had to learn... how am I going to get them out?”33:25Oct 24, 2022
- Breaking Down Before a GameFacing immense pressure, she breaks down emotionally before a match, revealing the struggles of mental health.“I can’t do this, I don’t want to be here.”45:33Oct 24, 2022
- Finding Strength in VulnerabilityDespite feeling overwhelmed, she learns to seek help and support from her team.“I was adamant to the rest of the support staff that I want to stay with the group.”47:52Oct 24, 2022
- Mental Health MattersThe importance of prioritizing mental health in sports is emphasized throughout the conversation.“Your mental health is the most important thing.”52:30Oct 24, 2022





