SUSANA Rasaubale is one of the 12 Fiji Baby Pearls netball players helping fly the nation’s flag at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar, which is currently underway.
And with two wins from their pool matches against Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados already in the bag, her inclusion into the team has certainly helped make a difference for the young team striving to make a difference on the world stage.
She was one of seven locally-based players that were picked for the world competition and one of six from the Suva Netball Association.
Playing the positions of centre and wing attack, she says the chance to represent Fiji on the world stage is a dream come true and a chance for her and her teammates to showcase their talent and hard work at such a high level.
Early days in netball
Rasaubale, who is now a second-year student at the Fiji National University and 20 years old, was a student at Suva Grammar School when she took up the sport at only 14.
At the time, she said she was enthusiastic about taking up the sport, but had to learn other related aspects of the game along the way.
“I first started playing netball when I was 14 years old (high school), Suva Grammar School,” she recalled.
“I was excited, but also (found it) challenging because I have to learn about teamwork, discipline, and improving my skills.”
Selection for Baby Pearls
The Natuva, Vugalei, Tailevu player with maternal links to Lauwaki, Nairai in Lomaiviti was in a state of pure joy when she found out she was chosen to be part of the Baby Pearls for Gibraltar.
It had marked the culmination of training, hard work and determination for her, and she understood the significance of being given the chance to play for Fiji.
“It feels amazing and a huge honour to represent my country at this level.
“Our manager emailed us and yes, I was so happy and emotional. It was a dream come true, and I felt that all my hard work had paid off.”
If there was also one thing she said she needed to improve on as a player, it was ensuring her skill sets were up to par.
“For me, I needed to improve more on my skills since I’m good with my endurance.”
Support from family
With every push for victory and the pursuit of excellence, Rasaubale’s efforts have been backed by the unwavering support of her family.
She said their support was an incredible one and had been shown through supporting her in various ways to help prepare her for training, selection and her eventual trip to Gibraltar with her teammates.
“My family, my family has been incredible. They’ve supported me well with travel, training and also always motivating me even when things get tough,” she said.
National representation
Being selected to represent the nation in any capacity means understanding the roles, responsibilities and expectations accompanying it, and Rasaubale is aware of that.
She said while she had taken up the sport for fun alongside her friends, that had turned into being selected for a task she said was a huge honour for her.
“Honestly, no, because I took these sports just for fun since I follow my friends around and being selected to represent my country, it’s a huge honour to represent my country on the world stage.
“Yes, I have got a responsibility, taking part at this level. Young players who want to represent Fiji look up to us so we need to show a good example.”
Joining camp with her other teammates prior to their departure, she shared how the bond between them had become close.
“Being around my teammates is like being with my family since we have become close.”
Advice for young netters
Her timely reminder to young netball players who aspire to follow in the footsteps of the current Baby Pearls team and take up its mantle is to work hard and enjoy the sport.
“Just work extra hard and enjoy playing netball,” she said.
In her player profile by Netball Fiji, she said young netballers should stay passionate and dedicated to the game.
“Always focus on learning and improving your skills, but most importantly, enjoy playing and being part of a team,” she told Netball Fiji. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, listen to your coaches, and support your teammates.
“Remember, hard work and a positive attitude both on and off the court will help you succeed in netball and in life.
The team’s progress so far
The Baby Pearls had arrived into Gibraltar a week prior to competition commencing, which took place last Friday.
Landing into the nation, which is situated between Spain and Morrocco had given them time to get acclimatised to the weather conditions and prepare themselves well for their pool matches.
When the team took to the field on Sunday, they beat Trinidad and Tobago 53-40 and yesterday at 3am Fiji time, they beat Barbados 66-34 in their second pool match.
The team faced Malawi in their third pool match at 8pm yesterday, by which this edition had gone to press.
Meanwhile, like her other teammates who were interviewed by Times Sports, she also expressed her excitement in taking part in the competition.
After their match against Malawi, the team will go on a bye until Thursday, where they meet South Africa in their final pool match.
