From alpine biathlons to surfing, cycling and everything in between, the ADF has 30 endorsed sports – with personnel competing across Australia and around the world.
Sport is a unique element of the Defence Force and a valued part of its culture, with members from all ranks and services swapping their combat boots for footy cleats, cams for wetsuits and body armour for shin pads.
Representing the ADF in cricket, Sub-Lieutenant Terez Lofts has been playing since she was 13 years old, starting off at the Tuggeranong Vikings Club in Canberra and summers of backyard cricket with her family. She joined Navy Cricket in 2018 and progressed to the ADF Cricket team in 2020 where she recently had the opportunity to play in Fiji.
“Travelling to Fiji was fantastic and an amazing opportunity that not many people get to experience in their careers,” Sub-Lieutenant Lofts said.
Displaying the ADF Sport values of ‘enhance, connect and sustain’, Sub-Lieutenant Lofts said she took pride in leading the women’s team as captain, bringing people together through fitness and teamwork and encouring more serving members to get involved.
“I am most proud of being named Navy women’s captain and vice president two years in a row and re-building the culture and team after the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In 2015, Sub-Lieutenant Lofts enlisted as a supply chain sailor and commissioned to maritime logistics officer in 2020, but the new role and responsibility hasn’t put her passion for cricket on the bench.
“My advice to serving members is to get involved. There is so much support and coaching available for all skill levels and it’s fantastic for mental and physical health, travel opportunities and interservice relationships,” she said.
With service comes sacrifice, but swapping uniforms to compete in sport brings a valuable workplace benefit that’s unique to the ADF.
“A lot of my civilian friends cannot believe it when I tell them I get paid time off work to play the sport I love,” Sub-Lieutenant Lofts said.
