Kathryn Bryce, who is studying Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University, will bring a wealth of international experience, having represented her country since the age of 13.
Wicket -keeper and batsman Sarah Bryce, who studies Maths at Loughborough University, has shown on the international stage with Scotland what a player and leader she is and she has potential to achieve great things within the programme over the next few years.
Commenting on her contract Kathryn said:
“This is a very exciting opportunity being part of a professional set up. I am very much looking forward to being part of the Lightning cricket family in this new stage of Women's cricket.”
Speaking about her retainer contract Sarah said:
“I'm really excited to have signed a retainer contract as it will allow me to continue to focus on my training whilst studying at Loughborough University where I have been for the last 2 years.
I am looking forward to developing further and playing with a very high quality group of players.”
Managing Director of Women's Cricket, Clare Connor, said:
"In what has been a challenging year for the whole game, it is pleasing to be able to support 25 women’s domestic cricketers by offering them Regional Retainers.
"In doing so, we are taking another step towards contracting our first cohort of full-time, professional players in the women’s domestic game.
"We know that in order for the women's game to continue to grow, we need a strong and thriving domestic set-up to enable more women to be able to make a living from the game.
"Girls need to see visible role models and to know that a talent and performance system exists for them to fulfil their potential. I'm excited to see how these players progress with greater support over the next couple of years – it’s another significant step forward for our sport."
The new Women's Elite Domestic Structure is hoped to start in 2020 with training and matches taking place on campus at the Haselgrave ground as well as across the East Midlands.