Grace Gago, a sporting talent to watch out for
Take note of the name Grace Gago.
She is the Manurewa High School student who was named Counties Manukau rugby’s under-18 girls’ player of the year at the junior rugby awards in Pukekohe.
She has played for Counties Manukau under-18, her school’s 1st XV, touch and football teams, the Samoan under-18 tag team and with older sister Louisa, rugby league for the Manurewa Wahine.
It’s a record that puffs her mum Hannah Tiatia, dad Gago Faau Gago and four brothers and two sisters with pride.
Gago has a clear picture of what she wants from sport and life in general.
‘‘I would love to represent New Zealand in professional women’s rugby and rugby league. I believe if I have the right work ethic and a strong mindset, anything is possible.
‘‘Rugby has changed my life in many ways over these years. It holds values that are not only used in rugby but in everyday life.’’
‘‘I’m constantly reminded of who I represent on and off the field. I don’t only represent ‘‘Grace the rugby player’’, I also represent the name I carry, my beliefs, culture, roots, school, and clubs I’ve previously played for.
‘‘The actions I make affect not only me as a person but everything that I stand for.
‘‘Rugby may look like a sport full of physicality but it also requires intelligence and a strong mind set. I need to study up on my position, memorise game plans, set pieces and keep motivated to being better than what before.’’
Gago has three goals outside of sport. She’ll study for a physical education degree first and after university train as a police office then attend Bible College.
She says was shocked to receive the award and that she values the opportunities given by her school, the Manurewa Rugby Club, Counties Manukau Rugby and the Manurewa Marlins. I was
Junior award winners are:
Roller Mills player of the year, Adrian McCord (Manurewa Intermediate); most improved Matthew Waddell (Pukekohe Intermediate). Under-16 player of the year, Tevita Kofeloa (Manurewa High School); most improved, Tuhi Pompey (Wesley College); under-18 girls’ player of the year, Grace Gago; most improved: Dayna Moon (Alfriston College).