AT just 13, Ro Ivamere Rokowati has already shown that age is no barrier when determination takes centre stage.
The Nabua Primary School student was the youngest player in the Suva U20 team that won the CREST Netball Fiji Championship at the Lautoka Multi-Purpose Court last month.
Making her debut at the national championship, Rokowati was trusted to start in the Goal Defence position in the final against Lautoka a responsibility she embraced with composure beyond her years.
She played the entire match and impressed with her calmness, aggression and ability to create turnovers as Suva secured the championship.
But behind the young defender’s performance is a much bigger dream.
Rokowati, who lives with her family at Nabua Housing in Mead Road, Suva, hopes her netball journey will one day help change the circumstances of her family.
One of seven children, the Nakorosule, Naitasiri native wants to study, continue playing netball and eventually become a professional player and represent the Fiji Pearls.
Her maternal links are to Vivili Village in Savusavu.
Speaking about her championship experience, Rokowati struggled to hold back her tears as she recalled the moment, she was selected to join the Suva U20 side.
“I was happy and excited, I couldn’t believe that I was going to be chosen to play in the U20 team, they were older than me,” she said.
The opportunity was more than just playing against older athletes.
It gave Rokowati a glimpse of where her talent could take her.
Her voice became emotional when she spoke about her family.
“My aim in my netball career, I want to be a better person, I want to change my family status,” she said through tears.
Rokowati knows she has a long journey ahead, but she is already clear about what she wants.
“I want to study and play, balance and aim to play professional netball and play for Fiji Pearls.”
Her performance in Lautoka was a first step.
For the youngest member of the Suva U20 championship-winning team, the goal extends far beyond winning medals.
Rokowati wants to use her education and her netball talent to create a different future for herself and her family.
