Coach Laurie Ward is a highly respected figure in the global cricket coaching community, with over 50 years of involvement in the game and over 20 years as a full-time professional coach and consultant. His current base is in Columbia Maryland, USA, where he is undertaking a coaching role at the Olympic Root Cricket Academy, located at the world class Olympic facility, in Columbia, MD. It's his first direct experience with American cricket—and one he's already embracing with enthusiasm.
"It's been a fantastic first week," Laurie shares. "The people are welcoming, and there's an exciting energy around the development of cricket here in the U.S."
Laurie's journey began on the tiny island of Jersey, in the Channel Islands, and for the past 22 years, has lived in Cape Town, South Africa, where he owns and runs The Complete Cricketer Academy. The academy has built a stellar reputation for its commitment to player development, combining technical coaching with a holistic approach to character and mindset.
Over two decades, The Complete Cricketer has produced numerous professionals, including players who have gone on to represent South Africa and other associate nations at international level, and several who now play county cricket in England. This legacy is a point of pride for Laurie and a testament to his patient, long-term coaching vision.
Laurie holds a Cricket South Africa Level 3 qualification, and is a SASCA Senior Coach and Provincial Coach Developer. His coaching philosophy centers on building technically sound, mentally resilient players who understand their own game and play with intent and clarity. His style adapts to each environment—whether mentoring young players in Cape Town, consulting with county professionals, or guiding rising talent in Maryland.
Now stateside, Laurie brings his international expertise, and proven development track record to a new generation of cricketers.
Whether at the grassroots or high-performance level, Coach Laurie remains committed to one thing above all: growing the game and the people within it.
More to follow as Coach Laurie discusses his views, insights and feedback regarding the cricket environment and structures that he encounters.
