It worked out for Bella James.
The Otago opener has worked hard on her game since making her provincial debut as a 16-year-old.
A decade later and the aggressive right-hander is one of two new players who have earned their maiden White Ferns central contracts for the 2025-26 season.
Auckland left-arm seamer Bree Illing joins her on the list.
White Ferns coach Ben Sawyer said James’ story served as a reminder to keep chasing dreams.
"Bella’s ... taken a little bit of a different path," he said.
"It’s taken a little bit more time for her and I really think that’s a good thing. [It is] showing that players can put in that grind.
"I think ... it’s like 10 years since her debut with the Sparks. Then to get this contract I think it shows that if you put in that work, and you have those consistent results, you can make it that way as well."
James made her White Ferns debut late last year and showed immediately she was not afraid to take on the bowling.
Her ability to hit the ball through the offside and punish good bowling sets her apart from some other batters in the domestic game.
She was a key performer for the Sparks during their successful defence of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield last season.
James missed the final due to injury, but she scored 332 runs at an average of 47.42.
Illing has made a more rapid transition into international cricket. The 21-year-old left-armer made her provincial debut in 2022 and was Auckland’s leading wicket-taker in the one-day competition.
Her ability to swing the ball has proved potent. She gets good players out and takes wickets in bunches.
Her memorable summer continued when she made her ODI and T20I debuts against Sri Lanka, claiming six wickets across the two series, including the prized wicket of visiting captain Chamari Athapaththu twice.
"Bree had an outstanding series against Sri Lanka," Sawyer said.
"To show up the way she did against a world-class batter like Chamari shows she’s ready for international cricket."
Illing and James, who are on a New Zealand A tour in England, assume the contract vacancies left by the recently retired Hayley Jensen, and Sophie Devine — who opted for a casual playing agreement.
Otago trio Suzie Bates, Eden Carson and Polly Inglis have retained their playing contracts.
White Ferns
Central contracts
Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
