As a kid, Rachel didn't even know professional female cricketers existed. Now at just 16, she is one.

When Rachel Trenaman was growing up in her country New South Wales home town of Wagga Wagga, her favourite cricket players were Michael Hussey and Brad Haddin.

As she tells Mamamia ahead of her 2017 Big Bash debut for the Sydney Thunder, her favourite cricketers were men because she didn’t know any female cricket players.

In fact, she didn’t know there were professional women cricket players.

“I really enjoyed watching Mike Hussey and Brad Haddin play when I was in primary school. That was before I realised that there actually was a pathway for women’s cricket,” the now-16-year-old recalled.

“I didn’t know you could play for Australia as a female. I just saw men on the TV and thought ‘oh yeah, it’s a cool sport’.”

It was only after a trip to the Sydney Cricket Ground to watch Australia's women's team take on New Zealand that she realised there was an option for adult women cricketers. She was around 11 or 12 at the time and had just started playing in all-girls representative cricket competitions. Up until this point, she'd been playing with the boys.

Over the next few years, Rachel continued to be chosen for representative squads. And about two years ago, she realised cricket was not only a career for some women - but that it could be her career.

"I would just always play it for fun and would take opportunities and see it as another experience. Then when I started seeing I was getting selected for a few things, and watching others, and saw what was possible. That's what sparked it for me."

Now, aged 16, Rachel is preparing to pick up the bat for Sydney Thunder and play in this summer's Women's Big Bash League.

Listen: Fellow cricketer Ellyse Perry shares her day on a plate. (Post continues.)

It's the second time Rachel has been involved with the team. Last year she joined the Thunder as a rookie, which saw her at training and on standby for most home games. She's taking it to the next level this year as a contracted player, which should see her get some time on the pitch.

"After the experience last year - I just loved it so much - when I was offered a contract I didn't think twice I just wanted to get pen to paper as soon as possible."

"Hopefully I get a few games this year. But just the environment among the girls that play for the Thunder - I'm really pleased to be with them again."

Of course, cricket is an important part of Rachel's life - but it's not the only important part. She's also dedicated to getting a good education, thanks in part to the fact that both her parents are teachers.

"I'm pretty diligent. I know how important education is and I value cricket and my education equally. So one doesn't exactly take priority over others."

Balancing schoolwork and cricket isn't easy though, with Rachel dedicating around 16 hours to cricket a week - more if there's a game on.

"It is a pretty hectic schedule, especially now with summer, things are just ramping up," she explains.

"I get up at 5.30-6.00 in the morning to do some strength and conditioning training and then get home, have a good breakfast, then go to school for the day, come home and train again before trying to fit in some homework at night."

"Just trying to juggle it. Cricket's pretty full on sometimes."

Thankfully, her parents are also supportive of her cricket goals and her education and will "back any decision" she makes.

Rachel, heading into year 11 next year, is interested in health sciences and plans to study a course related to that at university when she finishes high school. She says she's studying so she will have a career to fall back on if injuries strike, but her aim is to play cricket full-time and support herself through her chosen sport alone.

"(Playing for Australia) is not something I hope to achieve in the next year or so, it's a five or ten-year goal, but ultimately that's something I'm striving for."

"I still want to go to uni and have that backup. You never know what can happen in sport - one injury and your career is over.

"I think it would be a lovely bonus to just play a sport you love for a profession and not have to worry about working another job."

Rachel says it's great that in recent years women supporting themselves on cricket alone at an elite level has become a reality, and they can manage without a second job.

"I think female players, not just in cricket, haven't been so privileged in the past as what players are now. They were having to work second jobs and try to fit in training around hectic schedules."

With her goals - and her whole life - ahead of her, Rachel's future is looking bright. But for now, she's focussing on a season of cricket with the Sydney Thunder.

"I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully we can win the trophy this year."

The opening weekend of the Women's Big Bash League starts this Saturday December 9! Mamamia will be live streaming the entire WBBL competition - check back on our website later in the week for more details. 

You can watch Rachel's progress and keep up to date with the Women's Big Bash League by visiting their website.

Listen to the full I Don't Know How She Does It interview with Ellyse Perry here or find in your favourite podcast app.