Anika Kolan: Optimistic about the 2028 Olympics and its Impact on USA Women’s Cricket

USA national U-19 and senior female cricketer Anika Kolan, who featured in four USA Cricket team championship titles in the past two years, is a rising wicket-keeper batter and Under-19 vice-captain. Her four championship appearances include ICC Americas Qualifiers – Mexico 2021 and California 2023. In addition, she has participated in USA Women’s Under 19 sweeps of the six Caribbean cricket Boards Select XIs in Trinidad & Tobago and a Cricket West Indies Select XI in Florida in 2022.

USAcricketers.com caught up with the 17-year-old and asked her a few questions.

Ms. Kolan responded first by saying, “Thank you for providing more coverage of USA Cricket players with these questions before the upcoming T20 Global Qualifiers.” The ICC WCWC T20 Global Qualifiers is scheduled for early next year.

USACricketers.com: Can you share a bit about your journey into cricket and how you got started?
Anika Kolan: I became interested in cricket thanks to the support and mentoring of my dad and brother, who were among the pioneers of the sport in the Bay Area, along with a few uncles. My elder brother, Anish Kolan, developed a passion for cricket throughout his childhood, which motivated me to pursue my cricket journey.

USACricketers.com: What challenges have you faced as a female cricketer, and how have you overcome them?
Anika Kolan: As a female cricketer, I had hurdles and endured a lack of support and hardships when playing alongside boys throughout my upbringing. Nevertheless, I used their discouragement to motivate my performance, driving me towards being an improved cricketer.

USACricketers.com: As a female cricketer, how do you see your role in promoting women’s cricket and encouraging young girls to take up the sport?
Anika Kolan: As a female cricketer, I am very honored to serve as a role model and have the opportunity to inspire young girls to embrace the sport while advocating for women’s cricket. I have the chance to use my position as a player for the USA to encourage more females to participate in cricket. Hopefully, it will eventually enhance the performance and talents of USA Cricket.

USACricketers.com: How do you typically prepare for a match, both mentally and physically?
Anika Kolan: I always prioritize getting a good night’s sleep before a game and make sure to start my day with a healthy meal. I also make it a point to spend some time journaling, as I have found that it helps me to de-stress.

USACricketers.com: Balancing professional sports and personal life can be challenging. How do you manage this balance?
Anika Kolan: While balancing may provide challenges, I always keep my goals in mind and remember that achieving great things sometimes requires compromises. I prioritize my tasks and strive to get the best results by making well-thought-out choices.

USACricketers.com: Away from cricket, what are some of your interests and hobbies?
Anika Kolan: Aside from cricket, I love listening to music, traveling, hanging out with my friends, and playing golf.

USACricketers.com: Do you have a favorite match or tournament that stands out in your memory, and why?
Anika Kolan: My ideal match would be Team USA vs. Argentina in the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier. That game is important to me since it was the first time I scored an international not-out 50 and had a 100-run partnership with a teammate. Seeing my family in the crowd in my home state was a memorable moment when I scored my first international 50 since I would not be where I am without their support.

USACricketers.com: Are there particular opponents you enjoy playing against, and what makes those matchups unique?
Anika Kolan: I enjoy competing against the UAE Women’s Team. Regarding sportsmanship, Team USA and Team UAE have a fantastic relationship on and off the field, which adds to the uniqueness and excitement of the competition.

USACricketers.com: Are there any lessons or experiences from your journey that can benefit aspiring players?
Anika Kolan: My biggest lesson from my journey is always supporting yourself. A strong mental attitude is one of the essential traits of an athlete and one that will help any athlete through difficult times.

USACricketers.com: As a current member of the USA Cricket squad, how would you describe the camaraderie and team spirit among the players?
Anika Kolan: I would describe the camaraderie among the players as that of a second family. Everyone on the team is very close with one another, and they are a great support system.

USACricketers.com: How do you see the future of women’s cricket evolving in the USA, and what role do you hope to play?
Anika Kolan: Given the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, I am optimistic about the future of women’s cricket in the United States. The support that USA Women’s Cricket has received throughout the years has been crucial to the team’s success. Now that cricket is an Olympic sport, I am confident that the infrastructure and support offered will contribute to USA Cricket’s advancement. I aspire to persist in setting a high standard for numerous younger women yearning to secure a place on the team while serving as a role model in their journey.