Serevi debuts for American Samoa

Una Serevi will make her first appearance in the Pacific Games on July 15 as she competes for the American Samoa netball team.

The eldest daughter of sevens maestro, Waisale Serevi, who is now an American citizen, also plays for the United States of America netball side.

She received an invitation from the American Samoans last month. “American Samoa wrote to USA Netball requesting that a few of us join them for the Pacific Games,” Serevi said.

Una made her debut for the USA last year during the World University Netball Championships in Uganda.

Participating in the Pacific Games has always been her dream. Growing up and watching her dad play, Una believes coming back to the Pacific to compete is not about competing but coming home to meet her Pacific family.

“I’m really excited as a Fijian and young Pacific islander, the Pacific Games is something we watch

From left: Sera Sucuturaga, Una Serevi and Fiona Trail at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel in Apia, Samoa on July 6,2019. Photo: Anasilini Natoga

while growing up.

“But to actually come back and participate, I’m super excited and I’m so blessed,” Serevi added. “I love coming back to my Pacific region, we are one family and even my family supports my decision to be here and they were excited.” The Qarani, Gau native who is also employed by the US Air Force has her family as her biggest supporter.

“My dad was really excited and he reminded me to give my best as I’m not only representing American Samoa but Fiji and I have to make everyone proud.”

Being the only one in the family playing netball, Una wants to make her Pacific Games debut a memorable one.

Una will play alongside two Fijian residents living in American Samoa - Sera Sucuturaga and Dr Fiona Traill. Sucuturaga of Nanukuloa, Ra has lived in Pagopago since 1999. She was first employed as a baby sitter but now works at AS Sadies By The Sea Hotel.

Dr Traill is a medical officer at the American Samoa Department of Health. Her family moved to Pagopago eight years ago.

Dr Traill is also one of three doctors that look after Team American Samoa.

American Samoa will face Papua New Guinea on July 15.

Edited by Osea Bola