Kate Heffernan could add another bow to the family name if she makes her debut for the White Ferns in Mount Maunganui today.
The Otago teenager is part of the Twenty20 squad and appears a chance to play in game two against the West Indies.
She wouldn’t be the first Heffernan to find a breakthrough in the sporting world.
Her mum and aunt both played for the Silver Ferns, her dad and brother played rugby at representative level and her twin sister is a teammate with her in the Otago Sparks and Steel netball squads.
Heffernan says she always knew she wanted a sporting career.
"At a young age, I always wanted to play professional sport - obviously netball and cricket because they're the two that I've found that I've enjoyed the most," she said.
"I don't know what else I’d want to do."
White Ferns coach Haidee Tiffen says that desire and passion is apparent in everything she does.
"While she's young, she's athletic, she craves learning and growing and we were really impressed with her season."
She brings a point of difference as a left-arm fast bowler - a luxury the White Ferns haven't had for more than five years.
"I've always been told that it's a massive advantage being left a leftie," Heffernan said.
"I've always been told the pathway is there."
For now cricket is the focus, but Heffernan will also continue her promising netball career this winter.
She admits picking one sport above the other proves difficult.
"I am really happy doing both and both sports are really supportive.
"I don't have a favourite - I love cricket and netball just the same."
That decision could be made easier for her though, with the T20 World Cup later this year in the West Indies – something Tiffen has already thought about.
"There could be an opportunity for her if she if she goes well out here to look at her for that World Cup," the coach said.
Whatever Kate Heffernan decides, there's likely to be another special sporting occasion for the family in the coming days.
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