When Lili Tokaduadua steps out onto the netball court in the Go Media Stars’ dress, not only is she living out her netball dream, she’s also proudly representing her family and her Fijian roots.
Tokaduadua left Fiji when she was 15 years old to take up an opportunity at Howick College.
She made her ANZ Premiership debut for the Stars last season, playing 11 games and showing why she’s regarded as one of the competition’s most promising defenders.
The 20-year-old further announced herself this season, after a stellar performance at goal defence in the Stars’ 57-52 win over the Tactix in round two.
She earned player of the match honours, stuffing the stats sheet, with seven gains, five intercepts and three deflections.
In the crowd for the game was Tokaduadua’s number one supporter, her mum, Eleni, who was visiting from Fiji and found herself in the rare position of being able to watch her daughter play live.
“It’s really special with it being my second year in the Stars and her watching me again,” Tokaduadua says.
“It was great having her at home with me too as I don’t see her all the time.”
While Eleni is Tokaduadua’s biggest fan, the motherly trait of becoming her biggest critic can sometimes shine through to ensure her sport star daughter doesn’t get too ahead of herself.
“She always sends me a paragraph before every game saying I need to jump and do this and that, giving me tough love,” Tokaduadua laughs.
“After the game on Sunday where I thought I did well she was still telling me I have things to work on and I’m like, ‘okay mum, I thought I did good!’.
“She’s always proud though. When I see her, she’s always crying after games, and it’s been special having her here.”
The game against the Tactix was Tokaduadua’s first time wearing the goal defence bib at ANZ Premiership level – an exciting experience she’s keen to get the most out of.
“It’s fun, I’m feeling fit and I’m excited to do whatever [coach] Temepara [Bailey] throws at me and do my job for the team and those who are injured.
“I want to make the most of the opportunities and do my best.
“My biggest work on at the moment is my passing and placement. Every training I always get reminded to calm down because I put too much pressure on myself to get it right.
“I want to start games nailing all of these things.”
Standing alongside Tokaduadua in the defensive circle was new signing Remi Kamo, who was also immense at goal keep, with the pair forming a formidable combination.
“We’ve clicked really well now and have a strong connection,” Tokaduadua says.
“Sunday was our first time playing together and I love how Remi plays.
“She can jump so high and I admire her.”
Tokaduadua’s also lapping up knowledge from her assistant coach and Silver Ferns legend Leana de Bruin, who’s helped her transition into her new role.
“She’s amazing and world class,” Tokaduadua says.
“She has a lot of defensive knowledge and never stops telling me things. I’m always keen to learn and be better, and she’s helped me a lot.”
