Eve O’Neill, 18, and Shristi Patil, 17, both products of the Vipers Academy, have played Tier 2 cricket with Sussex and have now secured deals with Hampshire.
Leg-spinner O’Neill, born in Southampton, who progressed through the Hampshire pathway and age group set-ups, made her county debut in 2023 at just 15-years-old.
Eve O’Neill, left, has signed with Hampshire. (Image: Hampshire Cricket)
She has since taken 65 wickets since her debut and was part of the England Under-19s squad that reached the semi-final of the 2025 U19 World Cup.
O’Neill said: “I’m really excited to be awarded my first contract with Hampshire.
“I can’t thank the coaches and staff at the club enough for backing me and helping me on my cricketing journey.
“I look forward to doing what I can to help Hampshire win matches and trophies next summer.”
Batter Patil, who came through the Berkshire pathway, scored more than 500 runs at an average of 44 during the 2026 season, including an unbeaten 113 against Glamorgan Academy.
Patil said: “I’m really excited to be joining Hampshire.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time on the academy so far, and I’m really grateful to all the coaches and staff for their support and for helping me improve along the way.”