THE number 77 on Isabella Ratu’s back tells a story that goes far beyond basketball.
It belongs to her late father, the man she remembers as her biggest supporter, the one who took her to training and stood behind her journey in the sport.
From Tavua, with maternal roots in Cakaudrove, Ratu has carried that support with her as she developed into a leader on the basketball court.
Last weekend, she had another reason to wear the number with pride.
As captain, Ratu led St Joseph’s Secondary School to the Under-19 title at the Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Basketball National Championships, defeating defending champions Adi Cakobau School 19–13 in the final.
For Ratu, the championship was the result of faith, preparation and the support of those closest to her.
“Honestly, I just want to thank the Lord because we wouldn’t make it this far without him,” she said.
But belief alone did not win the title.
Ratu arrived at the tournament confident because of the work she had put in long before the championship began, training in the mornings, afternoons and nights.
“It was all about preparation before,” she said.
Her role as captain brought another challenge.
With more than 12 players in the squad but only 12 allowed on the bench, difficult decisions had to be made during the tournament. At one point, one player had to sit out.
“It’s not an easy decision to make, but we made that as our fuel to go through to the finals so that she could play with us,” Ratu said.
That decision reflects the togetherness she associates with St Joseph’s.
For Ratu, representing the school is about more than competing. It is about the values, sisterhood and bond she has built with her teammates and the younger players.
“The name carries more than itself,” she said.
Now, with a national school title secured, Ratu is looking beyond the school court.
Her ambition over the next five years is to continue her studies while working towards representing Fiji at the Pacific Games.
She has not yet had discussions about selection opportunities, but she believes the championship gave her a platform to demonstrate what she can offer.
Whatever comes next, Ratu will carry the lessons from this campaign with her, and, most importantly, the number 77.
Her victory was dedicated to her mother and two brothers, while her father remained at the heart of her motivation.
And if she could speak to the little girl who first picked up a basketball, Ratu knows exactly what she would say.
“Keep going. It does get better. You do get better and never give up that passion and that love you have for your sport.”
For Ratu, the achievement is one she can only describe in two simple words: “God did.”
