Grace Kuilamu, a dynamic 17-year-old football talent, is setting her sights on inspiring the next generation of Pasifika athletes. With a rising profile and a series of impressive performances, including her captaincy of Australia’s under-20s team, Kuilamu is on the cusp of a Matildas call-up, a significant achievement for any young player.
Kuilamu has made her mark with Brisbane Roar following a successful knee rehabilitation. She participated in her first Young Matildas camp for the PacificAus Four Nations Tournament, showcasing her skills during a dominant 9-0 victory against the Solomon Islands, where she scored a goal as captain.
Her ambition is not only to excel but to serve as a role model for younger athletes from the Pacific. “It’s definitely a privilege to play for them. It’s exciting to showcase the smaller countries in the region,” Kuilamu said, emphasizing the importance of representation in sports. She draws inspiration from renowned athletes like Mary Fowler and Matildas captain Sam Kerr, admiring their playing styles while carving out her unique identity on the field.
Kuilamu, whose heritage includes Fijian and Romanian roots, aims to elevate the visibility of Pacific athletes in football. “There’s not many of us who come from the Pacific and get to play for their country at a young age,” she noted. Her performance has created optimism around her potential involvement in future national team selections, particularly as she is among the long list of candidates for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup.
Aside from football, Kuilamu is balancing her sporting commitments with first-year engineering studies at university, demonstrating her drive for both athletic and academic success. She has recorded five goals and two assists in 15 games this season for Brisbane Roar, indicating her growing impact on the pitch. The presence of established players like Tameka Yallop has also been beneficial for her development, showcasing how camaraderie fuels aspirations in team sports.
Kuilamu’s story is not just about individual achievements but about inspiring a broader movement for Pasifika athletes in sports. She is determined to demonstrate that with hard work and dedication, young athletes can achieve their dreams, thus paving the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps.
The Lavish determination showcased by athletes like Grace Kuilamu illustrates an encouraging narrative for the growth of women’s football, particularly within the Pacific region. Her journey not only aims to inspire her peers but also emphasizes the support and strength found within diverse backgrounds in the realm of sports.
Leave a comment