Ema Mualuvu, was one of the eight women that played in the Liverpool’s Netwall World Cup that was selected into the 25-member Fijian Pearls squad last year.

The 22 year-old, Tagimoucia goal defender earned her spot into the national team after being one of the star players during the Suva Netball Association’s Super League competition.

She also plays Goal Keeper (GK), if the need arises.

And now the Serea, Soloira, Naitasiri native is living her childhood dream.

Mualuvu was selected along Matila Vocea under the PacificAus Sports Program (PSP) and are part of the Athlete Immersion programme in Australia. They’ll play in the 2021 Netball Queensland HART Sapphire Series for the Northern Mendi Rays.

They will be in Australia from June to October.

“It was always my dream to be a Fijian Pearls player,” Mualevu said.

“I started playing netball when I was eight years-old, I played for the under- nine grade while attending Soloira District School in Serea, Naitasiri.”

She continued her education at Suva Methodist Primary School before joining Dudley Intermediate and then on to high school where she played netball right to the U17 grade.

She left high school at Year 11 to focus on her sporting career.

“I decided to stay home and joined the Lomaiviti club. I played in the super grade competition from 2018 to 2019 where I was selected to the national training squad under, coach Vicki Wilson.

“With this netball career I was able to travel to many places like Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and one of my best memories was in Liverpool, England.

“After coming back from the Netwall World Cup  in Liverpool, I decided to play for Tagimoucia and we won the Suva Netball super grade finals against Lomaiviti.”

Mualevu said her dream was only made possible with the support of her parents.

“Netball was my passion, I love playing netball. I know I got the height, the weight, the ability and the potential. Also the courage and commitment, this has enabled me to be where I am today.

“Far and foremost are my parents who gave their full support as I pursued my career,” Mualuvu added.

“And this programme would be a great learning experience.

Good role model

“I know my hardwork and my commitment will pay off. I did my best to be in good shape knowing that playing this game allows me to get fit and stronger.

“I want to be the best netballer on and off the court by carrying out every skill and tactic I’ve learnt.

“So I can encourage Fijian players to develop their career.

“It’s all about team bonding, getting every opportunity to experience skills, tactics, and mostly creating memories,” she said.

Mualevu encouraged young players to be a positive role model.

“Try to be disciplined on and off the court, listen to your coaches and follow all rules. Manage your time well, Take the right diet. Always attend training as scheduled. Lastly, be a fearless competitor.”

Mualevu holds a Certificate- IV Hospitality Supervision Human Resources from ServicePro International Tourism Hospitality Institute.

She hopes to continue her studies and also look for job opportunities in the field of hospitality.

Other recipients of the programme are Taraima Rara, and Mere Rabuka as they played for Sutherland Shire Netball.

Goal Attack (GA) Maria Lutua was the last recipient when she trained with the Sunshine Coast Lightning team in the Suncorp Super League Series.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj