Amena Nacavaraba, a remarkable 25-year-old athlete, has made history by contributing to Fiji’s first Men’s Netball Nations Series title in Singapore. Initially a dedicated basketball player, Nacavaraba, hailing from Burenitu, Nalawa in Ra, transitioned to netball when a teammate invited him to join an open men’s team for Lomaiviti netball, where he took on the role of goal shooter.
Standing at an impressive 2.12 meters (7 feet), Nacavaraba’s height made him an ideal shooter, and he quickly adapted his basketball skills to netball with the support of his club teammates. Despite having no prior experience in netball, his dedication and athletic ability did not go unnoticed by national coach Jioweli Makare, leading to his selection for the national squad.
Balancing his sports career with academic responsibilities at the University of the South Pacific, where he is double majoring in chemistry and biology, required meticulous planning. Nacavaraba shared the importance of self-discipline and time management in maintaining a rigorous training schedule while managing his studies.
At the Men’s Netball Nations Series, Nacavaraba made a significant impact in his first international appearance, helping Fiji secure a narrow victory over Australia with a final score of 55-54. His ability to handle pressure and his mental preparation before games were critical to his performance, demonstrating his commitment to representing his country on the international stage.
Now, with an eye on the future, Nacavaraba plans to expand his athletic repertoire by learning volleyball, inspired by his teammate Nacanieli Goneyali, who has also excelled in both netball and volleyball.
This story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, illustrating how dedication and planning can lead to outstanding achievements in sports and academics. It highlights the potential of athletes to excel across various fields, proving that with hard work and a positive mindset, dreams can indeed be realized.
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