Sam Arnold has represented Australia across three sporting codes and this summer was a part of the Sydney Thunder WBBL|06 championship squad.
A late call up to the team – that was housed in “hub” at Sydney Olympic Park – Sam immersed herself into the experience and was able to learn and develop her game alongside some of cricket’s greats.
“That experience was insane…a once in a lifetime opportunity. It came out of nowhere…it was such an unreal experience,” Sam said.
“I learnt a lot of things…you’re working with Rachael Haynes, Heather Knight…an amazing amount of cricket knowledge.”
Locally, Sam is a leader at the Penrith Cricket Club, and she has witnessed, firsthand, the rapid rise of women’s cricket. With surging participation rates for young girls across the country, Sam respects how far the game has come and appreciates the opportunities now available for the next generation.
“It’s really exciting to see the young talent coming through…knowing that they have so much access and resources,” Sam said.
“Growing up, I’ve really appreciated the development of the game…it’s been really good to see, I’m glad to be in this position and understand how far girl’s and women’s cricket has come.”
Outside of playing sport, Sam is in the final stretch of her tertiary studies and is passionate about her day-to-day work at local primary schools, where she strives to instil the strong values she has developed through sport.
“I really enjoy my work at the moment…I’m able to make a difference to younger lives. (My advice is) give it a try, you never know what might come of it…you will always learn from the experience,” Sam said.
“I would love to combine my study and sporting background to help out people…we talk about sport for development in a lot of the sporting units and that’s where I want to eventually take my line of work.”
It has been an incredible and diverse career to this point for Sam, and she recognises the commitment that has been made comes at a cost, but one that has helped shape her as a person.
“I’ve really enjoyed sport I’ve played…I’m focusing more on cricket now because there is more of an avenue and opportunity,” Sam said.
“You can miss out on a lot of things growing up…because you are so dedicated to the training. In the long run, it’s all been worthwhile, and it’s developed me into the person I am today.”
Find out more in the latest episode of the Passion & Perspective Podcast, hosted by Jonathan Robinson-Lees.
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