SOPHIE Luff has become the first player to sign for Somerset County Cricket Club's new women's team.

The 30-year-old from Taunton is set to play for the new Women's Tier 1 team, which will compete in 2025.

Having risen through Somerset's age groups, Luff made her debut for the Somerset Women's team in 2009.

She has featured in 74 List A matches for the club, scoring 2,330 runs at an average of 43.14, with a highest score of 138 not out.

She has also played in 68 T20 matches, scoring 1,675 runs at an average of 35.63.

She captained the side between 2017 and 2022.

The former England Academy, Development, and Under-19 international, who played her club cricket for Bath, has been a constant presence for Western Storm since their inception in 2016 and was named captain in 2020.

She is the first player to have reached 100 appearances for Storm and during that time has scored over 1,760 runs in List A cricket at an average of 50.54 with a best of 157 not out.

Her T20 record for Storm is equally impressive, with her 54 innings yielding over 850 runs at an average of 25.90 and a best of 78.

Sophie, who has signed a three-year deal, has represented Welsh Fire, London Spirit, and Southern Brave in The Hundred.

After becoming the first player to be announced, Sophie said: "I’m absolutely delighted to have signed for Somerset.

"This is a childhood dream of mine and one that I never thought would be possible.

"Somerset is a club that I’ve been associated with since I was 12, so I’ve got a real affiliation with what is a really special club.

"It’s a full circle moment and that’s really special for me and my family.

"I grew up watching the likes of Marcus Trescothick at Taunton and wanting to emulate those players.

"The fact that young girls can now grow up aspiring to be female role models who have come through the Somerset Academy is great."

Somerset CEO, Jamie Cox said: "Sophie Luff is a player who has become synonymous with Somerset cricket over the years.

"She has already captained her county, and as skipper of Western Storm and Welsh Fire, she has become one of the most respected domestic players within the game.

"She has incredible drive and determination to succeed, and her work ethic is second to none.

"She is an inspiration to her teammates and to young girls wishing to carve out a career for themselves in the game.

"Her passion for cricket, this region and this club knows no bounds and it is extremely fitting that a player with such authentically strong ties to the game within the county becomes an inaugural signing for Somerset Women."

Luff’s signing is a significant milestone as Somerset County Cricket Club prepares for its first-ever Women's Tier 1 team.

Her experience and achievements make her a valuable addition to the squad, and her presence is expected to inspire many young female cricketers in the region.