FIJI under-19 goalshooter Lydia Panapasa is following her mother’s footstep as she prepares for the International Secondary School Netball challenge next week.
The Juju, Rotuma lass spoke highly of her mother Salote Naulivou a former national rep in athletics, basketball and netball.
Naulivou is from Lakeba in Lau.
Panapasa said she looked to her mother for guidance and advice when it came to athletics or netball.
“Mum is my number one fan and also my supporter,” she said.
“With my height, my mum motivated me to try out netball, so I did and I didn’t know that I will make it up this far.
“My mum wakes me up every morning for my run.
“Most of the time she is at work and she doesn’t really have time to come and watch me play.
“Home is the best place where we communicate and she gives me advice like how to stand firm on the court, how to concentrate and not to play and tells me to put in my 100 per cent best in or outside of court.
“She teaches me to listen to my coaches, trainers and most of all, my heart.”
The 17-year-old student of Suva Grammar School won gold medal in the Intermediate girls shot-put in the 2017 Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Fnals.
“Having the time for study and training and try to balance them will make you more organised.
“To all the girls out there, nothing is impossible if you keep trying. Always trust yourself,’ she said.
Profile
Name: Lydia Panapasa
Age-17
Village: Juju Rotuma
School- SGS
Position: GS
Favourite netball player: Irene Van
Dyk
Favourite team: Silver Ferns
Favourite Bible verse: John 1:1
Favourite food: Fish and chips
Favourite drink: Pulpy
What motivates you: My family.
