Kelston’s Elisha Tuaoi is serving up success
School is important to Elisha Tuaoi though he admits a week in Fiji playing volleyball with his mates does sound like ‘‘a bit more fun’’.
The 17-year-old Kelston Boys’ High School student has been selected to represent the Cook Islands at the 2016 Oceania Volleyball Championships in Fiji. He will be the youngest player in the side, something he says is as daunting as it is exciting.
‘‘Playing in the mens’ division is going to be tough, but I am really excited to get over there and test myself against some of the best players in the world,’’ he says.
Tuaoi was selected for his native Cook Island side earlier this month after being scouted by the team’s manager while playing for a New Zealand under-19 side in Auckland. He leaves for Suva this week to take part in his first international tournament.
‘‘It’s a really proud moment for both myself and my family. Hopefully I do them all proud,’’ he says.
The year-12 student started playing volleyball four years ago. He has since dropped all other sporting commitments to focus solely on volleyball and hopes to one day take his skills to America.
‘‘Volleyball is my passion and I want to take it as far as I can,’’ he says. ’’Hopefully one day I can secure a scholarship up in the states. To study and play over there would be a dream.’’