This week Netball NZ became the first national netball body to celebrate 100 years. Trident Homes Tactix defender Paris Lokotui took time to reflect on what the sport means to her, how important Game Day is and how her team is tracking in the ANZ Premiership.
Netball NZ became the first national netball body to celebrate 100 years this week – what makes the game so special and popular in NZ?
I think the way netball brings people together is something that makes it so special here in New Zealand. Netball is a generational sport with many sisters, mums, cousins, aunties and grandmothers playing it in sometime during their life.
I believe people are always drawn to the sport because it brings a sense of family and community which shows with it being one of the most participated sports in schools across New Zealand. Being the first national netball body to celebrate 100 years is such an achievement and for everything we’ve achieved so far – I’m sure there is plenty more still to come.
Back for your first full season of ANZ Premiership after your knee injury, how are you finding the competition this season and how the Tactix are travelling so far?
The ANZ competition this year is really close. I think all the teams have put in the work over the preseason period, including ourselves, so you can't take anyone for granted. Our season this year has started off really positive. We have an amazing bunch of hard-working people that are willing to get better each week and that's all you can really ask for at this stage in the competition. We just need to keep improving on our one percenters and trust that everyone has each other's back out on court.
The Stars are winless but have been close to a number of teams, what makes them a tough team to face?
The Stars are a team that you cannot underestimate. As you have said although they haven't won a game yet this season their drive to get within bonus point territory means they are a team who will play to the final whistle. The depth of their squad is something that makes them a definite threat too, especially with their seamless changes that always bring something different yet positive for them out on court.
You’ve been switching a bit between wing defence and goal defence, what’s it like being back in the circle and mixing it up with Karin and Jane?
I love going back into goal defence. It was where I played most of my netball growing up so having the ability to run there is super refreshing. Being able to play with Jane, Karin and (Kate) Lloydy is a huge honour especially because they have so much knowledge of the game. We're quite a talkative bunch so being able to constantly talk and pick each other’s minds is something I look forward to and am taking on with two hands.
Who were your netball/sporting idols growing up and why?
I had a couple of idols growing up. My netball idol was Laura Geitz. Her ability to read the game, her deception and willingness to get ball was unreal and although she’s from across the ditch, I admired how she played the game.
However my biggest idols would have to be my family. Sacrificing a lot of their time and energy into my siblings and I to be the best version not only for ourselves but for them is my biggest blessing and something I don’t take for granted. My family are my why and I wouldn’t change that for the world.
If you could change a netball rule, what would it be and why?
I would love to change the over a third rule. I think it would be so cool to see people throwing the ball from one end to the other. Although the game would change drastically, I think it would allow more strategies and tactics to be created.
What’s your earliest memories from the netball court?
My earliest netball memories I can remember are playing outdoors at the EBIS netball courts in Wellington, running around in a grey and white collared shirt and a navy pleated skirt, playing with my friends and being coached by my aunty. A big highlight was also eating the lollies at halftime too.
What’s your favourite dessert?
My favourite dessert has to be ice-cream!!
Netball is a large part of your life – what gets you excited about Game Day?
Game day is definitely the best day of the week. Being able to play in front of our family, friends and fans to showcase what we’ve been working on all week never gets old, and I will always love doing over and over again.
Is there any netball advice you’d like to give a young Paris Lokotui starting out in sport?
I would tell a young me to listen to her parents, ask a bunch of questions, have heaps of fun and don’t eat all the lollies on the sideline.
- The Trident Homes Tactix meet the Stars on Monday at Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch, starting at 7.30pm.
