In a game of softball, having distinct communication between players is critical on the field—a skill that is also imperative for anyone entering the police force. It is a career path that Kiersten Raso, a centre fielder and first basewoman for the women’s softball team, is working toward as she completes her first year in the Police Foundations program.
Planning to become a detective in the future, Raso said of selecting her program, “I want to try and make a difference in the world. I really enjoy the fitness aspect of my course.”
Certainly, being in good physical shape helps with the job as detectives can find themselves in pursuit of a person, defending themselves from hazards, or having to protect colleagues and civilians. Meanwhile on the field, detecting the “crack” or “clunk” of a bat can tell outfielders where to go, leading them to the right place to catch the ball. It is a detection skill that may pose similar attributes to a detective’s instinct when working a case.
The various situations a softball player experiences during a game means they must be ready for anything to support their team, an ability that greatly translates to a day on the job for a detective. “Teamwork to me means working together to achieve the same goal and picking each other up,” said Raso. When situations get tough, Raso claimed that staying positive helps her remain motivated.
While the ultimate goal of competitive sports is to name a winner in the end, Raso stated that good sportsmanship is an important quality for a softball player. Keeping the game fair, showing camaraderie between teammates and respect toward opponents are qualities that also make for an ethical and reliable detective.
Raso’s roots in softball traces back to having both her parents play the sport. Throughout her twelve years as a softball player, Raso has been playing for the Vaughan Viking U19 tier 1 REP team for the last eight years, winning multiple tournaments and the 2019 Provincials.
Coming from a league team where she’s had to overcome difficult challenges and strong competition, Raso has displayed outstanding results in Double Blue after kickstarting her athletic career in the OCAA. Having played 22 out of 24 games in the 2023 season, Raso finished with an exceptional .414 battling average, a remarkable .452 on-base percentage and three home runs.
As Raso prepares for the next season, her plans for softball continue beyond life after Sheridan, aiming to play for Team Canada one day in addition to her goal of becoming a detective.