About Us

And Our Own Journey

Who are we?

IC (International Cricketers) Pathway Academy was originally founded by passionate cricket enthusiast and entrepreneur Lili Stephenson.

Originally created so American cricketers could train and play internationally, it has become the go to academy for cricketers in Australia as well.

IC Pathways first session was held in Canberra, July 2019 when Coaching Director, Ben Ryan coached his first 2 students: Two of Lily’s American children – Rebekah Stephenson, then 13 and Nicholas Stephenson, then 14. The Academy grew steadily over the next 2 years before relocating to Melbourne in June 2021, coaching all ages (8 to 60!) abilities and genders.

The Academy continues under the direction of Ben, who has over a combined 40+ years experience as a player, coach and administrator. Ben holds a Cricket Australia Level 2 (Representative Coaching) certification.

His coaching experience began way back in 1991 when he was Head Coach of the Preston CC Under 14 in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association Hatch Shield pathway competition.

He is the former Head Coach of ANUCC in ACT Premier Cricket in 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 and Camberwell Magpies CC in Victorian Premier Cricket in 2021/2022 and has coached several representative teams in Cricket Australia pathway tournaments.

Ben is currently the Head Coach of Preston CC in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association.

Nick and Rebekah Stephenson have said of Ben, “he really tries to be in your shoes. He sees things from your point of view and understands where you’re coming from, then he builds you from where you are.”

A Cricket Mentor

There is a need in the cricket world for a mentor to not only guide players through the stages between junior and senior cricket, between senior and elite goals, but also guide them through challenges of self-confidence, and give them the edge.

We are that mentor. We have created a unique methodology that fuses cricket and life experience, confidence in decision making both on and off the pitch.

An Experienced Leader

I saw that need first hand as a development officer in PNG and as Cricket ACT’s competition manager for both junior and senior competitions. I participated in numerous problem solving committees, worked with individuals, representative teams, developing cricket programs, and listened to all of them.

This academy is the sum of 40 years of playing, coaching, mentoring, administration work, and listening, a lot of listening. We’ll help all cricketers get through that transitional phase and give them the tools to reach their goals.