Tough but worth a crack
I’ve got to get my fitness up, I’m working hard during training and I just need to be better than everybodyLydia Panapasa
Lydia Panapasa aims to perfect her shooting percentage as she aims for a spot in the final 12-member team for the Netball World Cup in England on July 12-21.
The Juju, Rotuma native feels proud to be part of the 25 member squad and knows the challenge will be tough.
“The standard is high, it will be hard but I’m having a go and hopefully make my family proud.
“It will be a tough competition in the shooting circle having the experienced shooters like Taraima Mitchell, Maria Lutua Rusivakula, Unaisi Rauluni, Nina Cirikisuva,” Panapasa said.
“But I’m grateful and excited to be part of the squad. I was part of the U20 squad that toured Botswana when I was 16 but this is a totally new level.” Panapasa hopes to improve on her fitness and polished on her shooting skills.
“I’ve got to get my fitness up, I’m working hard during training and I just need to be better than everybody.”
Her mum Salote Naulivou Panapasa, who hails from Tubou in Lakeba, Lau, represented Fiji in athletics and basketball.
Her uncle was the legendary Nadroga and Flying Fijians lock forward Ilisoni Taoba and her cousins are Nadroga Rugby president Jiko Matawalu and former Flying Fijians skipper Akapusi Qera.
Her aunt Laijipa Naulivou a formidable national hockey player and White Fire netball player and was also one of those players who were pioneers of the Marist Seahawks women’s rugby club then St John’s Marist women’s 7s team.
“I want to make a name for myself and follow my Mum, my aunt and cousin’s footsteps,” she said.
“I like how we bond together as a team and learning new things everyday.”