26 Issue 54 – October 2015 – QUEEN MARGARET CALLING
At only 13 years of age and the only player from Wellington
City, the selection is particularly significant for Paris, who
is excited to be representing New Zealand.
“I have never represented New Zealand in sport before so I am
really looking forward it,” Paris comments.
“It will be a great opportunity to improve my game and play
against top teams.”
The team is scheduled to compete in the 2016 Australian
Country Cup in January.
“I will be spending my school holidays training and improving
my fitness to play at my best,” Paris says.
She was also selected to attend the Basketball New Zealand
National Talent Development Camp after her performance at the
U15 Basketball Nationals. This year Paris was selected for both
the 2015 U15 Wellington Girls Rep Basketball team and the U15
Wellington Rep Netball team.
“Being able to represent Wellington has been a pleasure,” Paris
says.
“I am motivated and inspired by the amazing talent around me.”
Paris also made the New Zealand U15 Waterpolo Squad this
year but had to make herself unavailable as the tour clashed with
the Secondary Schools Netball Nationals. Not to mention she was
invited to train with the U19 New Zealand Handball team this year.
Paris has enjoyed playing sport since she was a little girl.
“It runs through my family. We all support one another,” she
explains.
“I love being part of a team, encouraging others and playing in a
competitive environment.”
Paris Lokotui has been selected for the 2016
U16 New Zealand Development Basketball
Team (Korus).
Storming
the Courts
Paris plays six sports at Queen Margaret College, three of which
are Senior A teams: Netball, Waterpolo and Basketball.
“I’ve managed to make it work so that I don’t have to choose one
of them yet,” Paris comments.
“I know many girls that represent New Zealand in multiple
sports and I want to aim to do the same thing at Queen Margaret
College.”
Paris is grateful to have had some inspiring coaches and a
supportive family network that push her to be the best she can be.
“I love being coached especially at a regional and national level
and taking the coaching that I have learnt back to share with the girls
in my school teams.”