Mereseini Vasuilia
Sports Studies Fulfills Childhood Dreams
Sports is a powerful tool that can be used to promote peace, prosperity, fairness, respect, justice, tolerance and unity people in times of adversity.
For Fiji National University (FNU) alumna Mereseini Vasuilia, who graduating with a Trade Diploma in Sports Science last year has enabled her to combine her childhood passion and career ambitions
The 24-year-old sports trainer had always been interested in sports since a little girl which continued when she began tertiary studies.
Sporting events
She said sporting activities such as the upcoming olympic games were platforms for social change.
Ms Vasuilia said such major sporting events brings people together of various races, age, gender and socioeconomic backgrounds and help bridge cultural understanding and harmony.
“I have always been interested in sports since a little girl and when I began my tertiary studies, I knew I wanted to learn and graduate in this field,” Ms Vusuilia said.
Support
She said she was grateful to have supportive lecturers who would helped its stduents academically.
Ms Vasuilia add the lecturers were very supporting in checking on the student’s social and personal needs so that they were able to excel in the course.
“My highlights from this time was when I would participate in various events such as in the oceania rugby tournaments.”
Areas of sports science
Through the course, Ms Vasuilia is competent in areas of sports science such as training, coaching, and fitness.
“Graduates of the programme can undertake training and teaching work in the playgrounds/courts, labs and the wider sporting industry.
“As a graduate, my skills and knowledge have helped me both as a national rugby player and in my role as a strength and conditioning coach,” she said.
“I have trained national teams such as the Fiji Rugby 7’s Men’s team, the Fijians 7’s team, the Academy players and other clubs. Since I am attached with the Fiji Rugby Union’s (FRU), HighPerformance Unit as a Strength and Conditioning Coach, I train teams and individuals at both national and club levels.”
Ms Vasuilia said a professional highlight was when she was a trainer last year for the Fijiana Women’s 15s team that won the Oceania game to qualify for the Women’s World Cup, which will be held in New Zealand next year.
Future plans
She aims to undertake further studies to become an Athletic Therapist, someone who is both a Physiotherapist and a a Strength and Conditioning trainer.
The Trade Diploma in Sports Science course is offered through FNU’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) stream.