The promising all-rounder joins Plenty Valley teammate Tayla Vlaeminck on the Gades list, leaving just one spot to fill before the season gets underway next month.
“It’s very exciting to have my first season in the Big Bash and I can’t wait to get started and what better way to do it than in the red,” O’Donnell said.
“I’m going to aim to play a role with the bat in the middle order and try to work it around.
“I’ll be trying to play my role for the team, I like to think I’m pretty versatile and can add to the skills we’ve already got.”
O’Donnell has been averaging 32.5 with the bat for Plenty Valley this season and the 19-year-old can also provide a handy option with the ball.
“I want to keep ticking the little boxes and taking every opportunity that comes my way to give me the best chance for whatever is to come,” O’Donnell said.
“It looks like a really strong squad.
“We’ve got some quality internationals with Amy Satterthwaite and Chamari Atapattu and having Emma Inglis come across from the Stars and we’ve got Molly Strano (Australian squad member) and Sophie Molineux (reigning Young Cricketer of the Year) as well – I think it’s coming along well and we’re going to have a strong squad.”
O’Donnell combines her cricket commitments with a retail job at Chadstone Shopping Centre.
The Christmas shopping foot traffic will provide a nice warm-up for the added attention the WBBL will receive throughout the summer.
“The publicity and professionalism that goes on around the WBBL is amazing,” O’Donnell said.
“Playing on Channel Ten and then playing before the men and getting those crowds will be unreal.
“The experience and the vibe around the WBBL is amazing.”