RO Iva Naiteqe has been selected as part of the 12-member USA Netball team for the upcoming USA Netball Premier League launch.
The team will face Trinidad and Tobago this weekend.
Naiteqe, the daughter of former Fiji 7s player Sailosi Naiteqe Jr and former Viti FM Radio Announcer Litia Naiteqe, currently plays club netball in Seattle.
She is the only islander to be selected for the team. Her mother, Litia, has been chosen as the team’s assistant manager.
According to a statement from USA Netball, the selection of the 12 players was based on various factors beyond just skill level.
“This skill level including independent workout discipline, communication skills on and off court, follow -up and follow through, enthusiasm and commitment, hard work and dedication and team interaction and activities.
This USA netball team is a first step towards becoming a Flying Eagle, the elite squad that represents the USA on the International Stage.
“This approach aims to develop well rounded athletes who embody the values of USA Netball selection to the premier league launch team is a significant step towards becoming a Flying Eagle, the elite squad that represents the USA on the International Stage.”
Proud mother Litia Naiteqe expressed her gratitude for the opportunity.
“Ro Iva is now officially part of the USA netball team to play this weekend and I’m blessed to be the assistant manager of this US team.
“We thank God for this opportunity,” Naiteqe said.
