Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Josie Dooley Returns to Renegades Bench After Near-Fatal Stroke
Josie Dooley, a cricket player for the Melbourne Renegades, had a very serious stroke while on vacation last year.
It happened because a small lump in her brain blocked the flow of important fluid.
She had to stay in the hospital for a long time and relearn how to do basic things like walking and eating.
Even though she had a hard time, her teammates visited her and her message to them was 'Don't mess it up!'
to win their big game.
They won the championship, which made Josie feel happy and motivated her to get better.
Now, Josie is back with her team, even though it's hard for her to see sometimes.
She even played in a cricket game and is getting ready for more sports competitions.
She loves being part of her team again.
Josie Dooley, 25, a Melbourne Renegades player, returned to the team's bench after suffering a near-fatal brain stroke.
The stroke occurred during a surfing vacation in Kauai, Hawaii, caused by a brain tumor.
Dooley spent 93 days in the hospital and had to relearn basic skills like walking and eating.
Her inspirational message, 'Don’t f—k it up,' was written on her jersey as the Renegades won their maiden WBBL title.
Dooley has returned to team activities, played in a T20 match despite vision impairments, and is preparing for Para-athletics competitions.
- Who
- Josie Dooley, a 25-year-old wicket-keeper batter for the Melbourne Renegades
- What
- Returned to the Melbourne Renegades' bench for the WBBL opener after recovering from a near-fatal brain stroke.
- When
- Last year, the stroke occurred during a surfing vacation; her return to the bench was for the WBBL opener.
- Where
- The stroke occurred in Kauai, Hawaii. She was hospitalized in Honolulu and later in Brisbane, Australia. She has since played in a T20 match in Adelaide and is preparing for Para-athletics in Brisbane.
- Why
- Dooley suffered a stroke due to a brain tumor that blocked fluid flow. Her return signifies her recovery and dedication to her team and sport.
Dooley's Perspective
Team's Perspective
Motivation and Team Spirit
Dooley's Perspective
Dooley found the team's dedication to winning inspired her during her recovery. She missed being part of a team more than the sport itself.
Team's Perspective
The team visited Dooley in the hospital and dedicated their maiden WBBL title to her, a gesture that motivated her.
Return to Cricket
Dooley's Perspective
Dooley aims to return to cricket, acknowledging the challenges posed by her vision impairment but remains determined to push forward.
Team's Perspective
Dooley's return to the bench for the WBBL opener signifies her deep connection to the team and her desire to be involved despite ongoing challenges.
- Player Name
- Josie Dooley
- Age
- 25
- Incident
- Fatal brain stroke during a surfing vacation
- Location of Incident
- Kauai, Hawaii
- Hospitalization Period
- 93 days
- Cause of Stroke
- Benign brain stem tumor blocking ventricles
- Recent Activity
- Returned to Renegades bench for WBBL opener, competed in first-grade T20 match, preparing for Para-athletics competition