Driven by her passion for netball, Fiji Pearls shooter Lydia Panapasa has defied all odds stacked against her in pursuing her dreams of representing Fiji in netball on the international stage.
The 22-year-old has proven that despite being a young mum working a full-time job, she has been able to secure her spot in the Pearls to the 2023 Netball World Cup.
However, the policewoman admitted that balancing her work commitments, training and family time had not been easy.
Hailing from Juju, Rotuma, with maternal links to Tubou, Lakeba in Lau, Panapasa stands as a testament to the idea that one can be a dedicated mum with a full-time job and still pursue their passion with determination.
“At times, I felt like quitting because of the pressure I go through, being a young mum and working full-time while also trying to keep my focus on my training,” said Lydia.
“It’s been a long journey for me, coming back into the team as a mum, I kind of struggle a bit, physically and mentally, but it’s been great that I have my family and friends around me that always support and motivate me.”
Lydia emphasised that the passion she had for netball was something that drove her to continue doing what she loved.
“It’s the feeling that I get when I play, I believe that if you love what you do, you’d never stop doing what you love, so that’s also something that’s keeping me going, it’s the love I have for netball.”
