Alisi Neisulu’s journey to the Fiji Pearls netball team has been years in the making.
The 18-year-old from Yavusania in Nadi, with maternal links to Natauloa, Narai in Lomaiviti is one of five debutants in the Fiji Pearls squad for the PacificAus Sports Netball Series.
Neisulu, a Year 13 student at Adi Cakobau School, was introduced to netball at a young age, shooting hoops while accompanying her grandmother to Sukuna Bowl training sessions for army wives.
She went on to represent her primary school and district before joining the national under-21 squad at just 15.
“I was the youngest in the Pearls extended squad and there was a lot of expectation, but I’m grateful for the opportunity because it helped shape me into the player I am today,” Neisulu said.
She plays for the Lomaiviti Netball Club and is excited to step up for the senior team.
“Every day, I look forward to training because I keep learning and growing. I wouldn’t say I was surprised when I was selected. I saw it coming, but just kept my head down and worked hard.”
Neisulu said training has been intense especially playing against the men’s netball team to build strength and toughness.
“Our focus as a team is improving communication on and off the court and looking out for each other during matches.”
With her eyes set on playing professional netball overseas, Neisulu is eager for international exposure.
“I want to see how it feels to compete against other countries and develop my skills further.”
The Fiji Pearls will face:
n Samoa on February 17;
n Scotland on Feb 18;
n Tonga on Feb 19;
n PPNG on Feb 20; and
n First Nations Australia on February 21.
The PacificAus Sports Netball Series runs from February 17-22 at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena.
