Fairfield College student makes national basketball team
Rongomai Timson is well on her way to her dream of playing in the Women’s NBA in America, she’s just made the National U16 Team
Fairfield College student Rongomai Timson dreams of playing basketball for the big leagues one day. And, with her recent selection to the NZ national team, that dream is a step closer.
The 14-year-old Fairfield College student, who has been playing since the age of seven, was named in the New Zealand Under 16 National Girls Basketball Team this month after an intense selection process.
A weekend-long basketball camp in Rotorua saw 18 girls from across New Zealand compete for one of the ten places.
“I always push myself to do my best, if I get good at something I keep working on it, you can always do better,” said Timson.
The keen student also received excellence in 11 school subjects out of 14 and was named Fairfield College’s Junior Sportswoman of the Year 2013.
“I wake up at 5.45 every other day and go for a run, then I have school then softball practice and normal practice with the team and individual training – lots of late nights.”
Her father and coach of the Fairfield College Girls Basketball Team, Fatupaito Timson, is quick to add that at this level of competitiveness, students are likely to experience rejection.
“She was cut from last year’s regional team but she carried on and trained harder.”
The young athlete agrees and said it has made her a stronger athlete.
“Everyone has a sense of comfort and I work to push past it.If he (Waikato Regional Basketball Coach) didn’t cut me from the team, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.”
The New Zealand Under 16 National Basketball Teams will play at the Australia Under 16 State Championships in Geelong, Victoria, from July 5 – 12.
