Essex Cricket are thrilled to announce that Essex Women’s all-rounder Sophia Smale has signed a new contract with the Club.
Smale, 21, has agreed a two-year extension that will keep her at Essex until the end of the 2028 season.
The left-arm spinner and right-hand batter signed for Essex Women ahead of the 2025 season, moving from Western Storm under the former domestic structure, and has become a regular feature of Stephen Parry’s side across all competitions.
On signing her new contract, Smale, said: "I am super excited to extend my contract with Essex.
“I have loved the past two years here; it’s an amazing Club with a great atmosphere and ethos that has helped me to continue to develop my career. We have built, and continue to build, a great group of players, and I, along with them, want to be pushing for trophies in the coming years.”
A wizard with the ball, the Welsh youngster has represented Essex in 29 List A matches, taking 23 wickets, with best figures of 4-51. The ambidextrous all-rounder has also scored more than 600 runs in the 50-over format, batting at various positions from the top of the order through to the middle and lower order.
In the shorter format, the 21-year-old has featured in 27 T20 matches for the Club, taking 17 wickets and scoring more than 200 runs.
At her young age, Smale has already featured across the world in a number of franchise competitions, including The Hundred with Oval Invincibles and Welsh Fire. Most recently, she represented Toronto Sixers in Canada’s Super 60, where she was named Bowler of the Tournament, while she has also played for the Titans in South Africa and represented England at age-group level.
Smale was also selected for England Women A against India A during the 2026 season, featuring alongside fellow Essex teammates Grace Scrivens and Jodi Grewcock when the sides met at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground on 25 June.
Essex Women’s Head Coach, Stephen Parry, added: "Having Sophia commit her future to Essex shows exactly what we continue to build here at the Club.
“She is an extremely talented all-rounder who continues to display the commitment, passion and dedication that I want my players to have. At just 21 years old, Sophia’s skill set is incredible for her age, and she shows a real maturity in her game.
“I’m excited to continue working with her, helping her develop and supporting her as she continues her journey with Essex. I’m really happy Sophia is extending her time with us, and I’m sure everyone connected with Essex will be delighted too. She’s a great talent and a real asset to the team.”
