My name is Wade, and in July I’ve been given the incredible honour of representing Australia as part of the Australia 2 IMC hockey team in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Hockey has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. From a young age, it shaped who I am — teaching me discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the value of showing up for something bigger than yourself.

Over the years, I’ve tried to give back to the sport that gave me so much. Whether it’s coaching, helping run summer hockey, or volunteering behind the scenes at our local association, I believe hockey is built on people who step up when they can. Life, however, has a way of changing plans. Circumstances forced me to step away from the game for nearly eight years — something I never thought would happen, but something I never let go of in my heart.

Last year marked my return to the national stage for the first time in over 25 years. Walking onto that field again was emotional, humbling, and motivating all at once. From that tournament, I was selected into the Australia 2 shadow squad, and more recently, officially drafted into the team. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to chase what you love, and that persistence, even after setbacks, still counts. Representing Australia on the world stage is something I don’t take lightly — it’s a privilege I intend to honour, not just for myself, but for everyone who has supported me along the way.