JONASSEN STEPS DOWN AS CAPTAIN | Will Play On In WBBL|12

I will load this WBBL Heat JJ copy into the website ok?
Queensland Cricket legend Jess Jonassen has stepped down as captain of the WBBL Brisbane Heat.
 
Jonassen, who is set to play her 100th Women’s National Cricket League match on Saturday at Allan Border Field, formally advised Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson of her decision last month.
 
Jonassen has captained the Fire and Heat since taking over from Kirby Short in 2020, leading Brisbane in 81 WBBL matches and the Fire in 30 WNCL games.
 
She made her return to the playing arena against NSW last month, after recovering from a shoulder operation that ended her Weber Women’s Big Bash League season prematurely.
 
Fire and Heat wicket-keeper Georgia Redmayne led the team in those games, and she will continue in the role for the remainder of the WNCL season, with Jonassen in a playing role.
 
Jonassen said that she had made the decision to step down after much reflection over the past few weeks.
 
“I did have every intention of wanting to lead again this season, but the NSW trip helped open my eyes to a number of things and has helped me come to this decision,’’ she said.
 
“I am very grateful for the past five years and to those who showed faith in me being the person to help lead these teams forward.”
 
“When I sat down and thought hard about what was best for the future, I realised I could no longer give my all in the role. I know this is the best decision for both me and the team,’’ she said.
 
“I’m very much looking forward to finishing my career as a senior player who leads from within and will support whoever gets the opportunity to lead these teams next.
 
“We have some impressive leaders in our group, and I will give them whatever assistance they need.”
 
Jonassen thanked the Fire and Heat coaching staff for their backing of her as a captain and player.
 
“A huge thank you to the coaches Mark Sorell and Jeff Thomas and all their support staff for the past few seasons. And similarly, our CEO Terry Svenson and the Board and Staff of Queensland Cricket for backing me and supporting the team throughout.”
 
“My wife Sarah and my family helped me arrive at this decision when I was wrestling with what I wanted to do, and their love and support means I know I have made the right call.
 
“Looking back, as a kid, I never thought I’d ever call myself a captain of Queensland but it’s something I’m proud of and I hope I’ve made a difference somewhere in my time,’’ Jonassen said.
 
CEO Terry Svenson congratulated Jonassen and paid tribute to her faith and determination as captain of the Heat and the Fire.
 
“As an organisation we are incredibly proud of Jess and her achievements and consider it a privilege to have been in a position contribute to her outstanding career,’’ he said.
 
“Under her leadership, our squads have provided admirable performances on and off the field. You only need to witness the way the players are so accessible to their fans after a sold-out WBBL match at Allan Border Field to understand the positive influence Jess and others have had on our playing group.”
 
“It’s heartening to know that she is keen to continue as a senior player with the Heat and the Fire going forward.
 
“We are fortunate to have in our Queensland squad an experienced captain and leader in Georgia Redmayne, as well as some impressive young leaders like Charli Knott, Georgia Voll, Sianna Ginger and Lucy Hamilton.”
 
“We certainly wish Jess and the team every success as we approach the end of the season and the lure of a Final,’’ Svenson said.