Senior Constable Jade Wall’s extraordinary journey from canine handler to World Cup in Italy

Nothing in life has been about the ordinary for Senior Constable Jade Wall, and now the member of the AFP’s Canine Unit is hoping to help Australia to an extraordinary softball World Cup feat.

Senior Constable Jade Wall will represent Australia at the Softball World Cup. Picture: AFP

Representing Australia has been special for Senior Constable Jade Wall ever since her debut in 2009.

15 years on and she still grins with pride when putting on the green and gold, a feat she will achieve at the upcoming Softball World Cup Finals in Italy.

Focusing her attention on softball isn’t always easy for Wall, given her position in the Australian Federal Police.

Working in the Canine Unit, Wall said while it can be difficult at times to juggle sport and her profession, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s one of the hardest things to balance with work, training and trying to have a life,” she said.

“You need a good support network and a career behind you that understands you. I’ve been very lucky the AFP have given me the opportunity to go and represent Australia and to be able to come back to work.”

Senior Constable Jade Wall putting Phantom through his paces. Picture: AFP

Getting to work with labradors Swaino (explosive detection) and Phantom (cash and narcotics detection) is an incredibly rewarding experience for Wall, with the trio spending time at the airport and executing search warrants.

“I love it. It’s the most challenging role I’ve ever been in, but it’s so rewarding,” she said.

“Coming to work and knowing you have one or two dogs depending on you, they’re jumping at the gate because they’re excited to get to work.

“I know how lucky I am. It’s quite a hard area to get into. I’ve found my niche.”

This marks Wall’s fourth appearance at a World Cup, and after playing at the Olympics in Tokyo, she still pinches herself every time she gets to put the uniform on.

“I don’t think there’s any higher achievement than wearing the green and gold, and representing Australia,” she said.

“The chance to represent family, friends and community, it’s so special. I’ve been in the national team for a few years now and the feeling is still the same.

Australia qualified for the Softball World Cup Finals after defeating Great Britain. Picture: AFP

“My first (World Cup) was in 2014 and every time I get to go away is amazing.”

Wall’s journey started with tee-ball in Queensland and led to representative teams throughout her teenage years, before a move to pursue her career brought her to Sydney.

As for her confidence in this year’s campaign, Wall said there’s a quiet optimism they can match it with the best teams in the world.

“Confidence levels are high. In Ireland last year when we qualified, we had to go up against the likes of the US, Britain and Chinese Taipei,” she said.

“It was no easy feat to get through that section. We lost 1-0 in a tie-breaker to the US which shows our improvement since the Olympics.

“It’s going to be tough. All eight teams are very strong and different, so we’ll have to take each game individually.”

The Softball World Cup Finals commence on 15 July, where Australia will have Japan, Netherlands and Puerto Rico in their pool.