This week in 'A Conversation With…' we sat down with our new Sports Graduate and Head of Cricket, Mr Hayden Rossouw. While the cricket season is still a little way off, we were eager to hear what he has planned for the summer term, and to learn more about his life beyond the sports field.
What is your role and how long have you been working at Shiplake?
I am a sports graduates and I am also the head of Girls and Boys cricket. I have been working at Shiplake since September 2025. I feel very lucky and fortunate to work at Shiplake in the role that I have.
What were you doing before working at Shiplake?
Before Shiplake I was working part time as a sports coach in a school in London, I was also playing cricket for a club as well as staring up my own coaching business.
How was your first term at the College?
My first term at the collage was a very busy but enjoyable time as this was my first full time role in a school environment but all the staff, I work with were supper friendly and helpful which made the first term go smoothly.
You're the newly appointed Head of Cricket; what are your goals for the upcoming Cricket season?
My goal for cricket at Shiplake is to get as many students playing as possible and for them to enjoy the sport as there are so many benefits that come with playing. I also want to grow the girl's game in the school to where we have a successful girl's program. Women's cricket has grown in the last few years and the number of girls wanting to play cricket has increased which is great to see.
What is a day in the life like for Mr Rossouw?
My day mainly consists of cover lessons when other staff members are away on school trips/ fixtures but most of my day is spent around coaching Cricket, Hockey or Football depending on the sport season. I make sure the sports kit is stocked up and the coaches have all the equipment they need for the sessions they are planning, I also supervise gym sessions for the Sixth Form pupils during their free periods.
What do you do in your free time?
As you can tell I love my sport and my main passion is cricket with a lot of my free time spent either in the gym or training for the cricket season in the summer. During summer I travel around the county playing in different matches for Oxfordshire or my club Banbury. I also spend time coaching the younger up-and-coming players at my cricket club.
What does the future hold for Mr Rossouw?
In the future, I hope to complete my P.E. teaching qualifications and begin teaching my own classes alongside coaching cricket, ultimately helping future cricketers develop their game and become the best sportspersons they can be while balancing their academic studies.
