Hailing from Perth, Western Australia, Leading Aircraftwoman Samantha Quadrio felt humbled and thankful for her selection onto the Governor General's XI Cricket Team.
The team is comprised of current and upcoming Australian women's cricketers, including one ADF representative, who is selected based on performance and character merit from the ADF Cricket Championships. The team recently played their fiercest rivals, England, on January 9 at the North Sydney Oval in Drummoyne, NSW.
Leading Aircraftwoman Quadrio, a personnel capability specialist with 75 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal, began playing cricket early in life, with her Dad and younger brother. She started in the backyard and at the local park, before moving her way up through the under 10s boys competition, the under 15s girls competition, to the WA state girls team.
Since joining Air Force in August 2021, Leading Aircraftwoman Quadrio has felt proud to serve the nation and wear a number of uniforms, one of those being the 'baggy blue' of the RAAF Cricket Team.
"I joined the RAAF Cricket Team for the first time last year. Representing Air Force was a true privilege and an experience I will never tire of, and the presentation of a 'baggy blue' was the ultimate crowning moment," she said.
"Following a successful tournament, I was selected to play for and represent the ADF team, which was another incredible experience."
'I am shocked; I still can't believe that I have had the opportunity to play for Australia.'
When asked how it felt to wear a national team uniform, she said it invoked great pride.
"To find myself in a situation where I have gone from representing both the RAAF and the ADF, to playing for my nation, evokes pure joy and a healthy dose of bewilderment," Leading Aircraftwoman Quadrio said.
"It is an experience and opportunity unlike anything else, and to say that I've put on the uniform worn by fellow Australian cricketers is something I won't be getting over for a long time."
Being part of the team provided the opportunity to spend time with talented sportspeople she has long admired, such as the Australian women's national cricket team captain Alyssa Healy.
"They are a very supportive bunch who cheer on good performances and great efforts, and their attention to detail, work ethic and ability is world class. It is an atmosphere that was amazing to be a part of, especially when they bring you in like one of their own during training," Leading Aircraftwoman Quadrio said.
"I am shocked; I still can't believe that I have had the opportunity to play for Australia. The opportunity and experience were incredible and not something I think I'll be able to live down for a while."
