Xsavier and Temyia Taiaroa have returned from Hawaii, exceeding their own goals and expectations with the successes of their respective teams.

Xsavier, at 16, played as part of the NZ 18u Junior Women’s team which won the gold medal in the Club Division, going unbeaten throughout the tournament, eventually facing and beating Team Hawaii in the final. 

In the International Division, however, Xsavier’s team advanced to the final and faced a strong and mature Team Canada. The New Zealand team played extremely well but the experience of the Canadians came through and they won the game in the final minutes. While Xsavier and her team would obviously liked to have won the game, they came away knowing that they played their hearts out and are proud of the silver medal they won. 

Temyia, at 14, went to Hawaii knowing that this would be her last tournament playing as part of the NZ 14u Junior Women’s team as she would need to move to the Under 18 grade next year. Hoping to finish with the Under 14 team on a high note, Temyia was not disappointed as the team won gold in both the International and Club Divisions, beating Team Australia in both finals. 

Both girls have come home richer for the experience and with the medals, rings and trophies that have rewarded the time and effort they put into their training. They also acknowledge, along with their family, that their success would also not be possible without the generous support they have received from whanau, local businesses and our community.