Sixteen-year-old Annie May, captain of the Fiji Women’s U-16 team, is filled with pride as she prepares to represent her country for the second time in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship taking place in Suva, Fiji.
Leading the young team, May considers it both a privilege and an exciting opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd that includes her family and friends. “It’s an honor to be part of the squad and to captain the team. It’s amazing to represent the country with your mum, dad, and the home crowd watching,” said the Savusavu native.
May highlighted the strong camaraderie within the team, particularly during challenging moments. “The girls are doing pretty well in camp. Whenever they feel homesick, we always come together and encourage each other,” she remarked.
Reflecting on her journey in sports, May shared that her initial interest was in rugby, a favorite sport in her community. “Growing up, I watched rugby all the time, but I didn’t have the build for it, so I tried football and it was amazing.”
The encouragement from her family and village has played a vital role in her athletic journey. “Mum and dad have always been supportive, along with my village, grandparents, and friends,” May expressed, appreciating the support that has pushed her to succeed.