WHEN Adi Esther Dawai steps onto the court in Sydney for the Fiji Pearls next month, she will do so as the youngest player named in the national squad in nearly four decades.
At just 16, the Narewa, Nadi teenager with maternal links to Natauloa, Nairai in Lomaiviti has earned her place in the Fiji Pearls squad for the upcoming Spirit Series.
Behind the milestone lies a story shaped by sacrifice, deep faith, and a mother quietly coming to terms with watching her little girl step into the world of elite sport far sooner than she ever imagined.
For Esther’s mother, Adi Fugawai Uluiviti Dawai, the moment her daughter’s name was announced brought both joy and disbelief.
“We were shocked,” she said. “We were hopeful she might make the Baby Pearls, but we didn’t expect the main team. We were so happy, but as a mother, it also makes you realise how quickly your child is growing up.”
Her mother still rememebrs Esther as the young girl who first picked up a netball at Holy Trinity Anglican School at the age of eight.
Coached by the late Mrs Ravoka, Esther’s love for the game began early, and her family quickly saw she had something special.
“Because of her height, I knew she would do well in netball, so we supported her all the way,” Mrs Dawai said.
That support has come with plenty of sacrifice. Esther, who is in Year 11 at MGM, has spent much of her teenage years balancing school, athletics and netball, often giving up time with family and friends to train.
“Esther has sacrificed a lot of time with family and friends because she is always busy training for school and clubs,” Mrs Dawaui said.
For Esther, the Fiji Pearls dream has been in her heart for years.
“Since Class 6, I always supported the New Zealand team and looked up to Grace Nweke,” Esther said.
“I told myself one day I would play for the Fiji Pearls.”
That dream suddenly became real when she saw the squad announcement from home.
“I was shocked and in disbelief when I heard my name,” Esther said. “It means a lot to me, especially knowing the last youngest player selected was Ms.Vasiti Vugakoto in 1987 at the same age.”
What makes Esther’s rise even more remarkable is that her usual position is goalkeeper. She only started playing goal shoot this year during the Secondary Schools competition with MGM Under-15, yet she has now forced her way into a senior national squad filled with older and more experienced players.
Her mother admits that it’s not always easy to watch her play against older opponents who are more experienced than her.
“The hardest part is seeing her play with ladies who are older and more experienced,” she said.
“It makes me feel like she is growing up too fast.”
Still, she knows her daughter’s strength comes from more than netball.
Before every game, Esther’s mum reminds her to pray, seek God and stay humble. Lessons that have become the foundation of her journey.
“I always remind her to acknowledge God for her talent and ask for His strength and guidance.”
When the pressure builds, her reminder to herself is simple: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Off the court, she is still very much a 16-year-old girl who treasures time with family and friends whenever training allows. She describes her family as her biggest support system, and says the first person she calls after big news is always her mother.
“God and family are my everything,” Esther said.
For Esther’s mum, the selection is more than a sporting achievement. It is a proud moment for the whole family which they are rightfully proud of.
“This is a big achievement for our family: “She is the first in our family to join a national team in netball, and we are just thankful.”
As Esther prepares for the Spirit Series next month, she knows the spotlight will come with expectation. But the teenager from Narewa is keeping her focus simple: work hard, stay grounded and make the most of the opportunity she has earned.
For Netball Fiji, Esther’s selection is a glimpse of the future. For her family, it is the reward for years of quiet sacrifice, prayer and belief. And for one 16-year-old girl who once dreamed of wearing Fiji colours, it is only the beginning.
