Stella Maris Primary School has confirmed a clean sweep to the semi-finals of the Suva Primary School’s Netball competition, with every team from under-9 through to under-14 progressing to the last four and two senior sides preparing to defend titles. Teacher and coach Luisa Robyn described the run as a major boost for the Nasese seaside school as it prepares for the semi-finals next week.
Robyn said the school’s under-13 and under-14 teams enter the knockout phase as reigning champions and are determined to retain their crowns. “Almost all our teams have made it to Tier One this year, which is a big achievement,” she said, underlining the depth across the school’s netball programme from the youngest age group to the seniors.
The pathway to the semis was not without challenge. Several players fell ill during the preliminary rounds, forcing the school to reshuffle line-ups and lean on squad depth. Robyn paid tribute to the girls’ determination, saying they “pushed through” despite illness and other setbacks to secure their semi-final berths.
Stella Maris’s wider objective is ambitious: Robyn confirmed the school’s aim is for every team to reach the finals and, where possible, defend existing titles. She singled out commitment, passion and discipline among the traits that have underpinned the teams’ success so far. “The girls have put in the work, and with strong backing from parents, teachers and families we remain confident of a successful campaign next week,” Robyn said.
The school’s achievement reflects investments in grassroots sport and coaching at the primary level, where competitions such as the Suva Primary School’s Netball tournament serve as an important development platform. For Stella Maris, the current showing — six teams advancing into semi-finals — provides momentum and raises expectations among players and supporters alike.
With the semi-finals set for next week, Stella Maris will now focus on match preparation, injury and illness management, and fine-tuning tactics across the age groups. The outcomes will decide whether the school can convert its dominant run into multiple appearances in the finals and secure back-to-back championships in the upper grades.
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