Four years ago, Monika ‘Otai decided netball might be the game for her. Fast forward to today and the New South Wales shooter has been named captain of the Australian Fast5 Team preparing to compete in the upcoming Commonwealth Youth Games.
The 17-year-old has been described as a natural born leader with a ‘never leave anyone behind’ mentality.
‘Otai’s netball career may be shorter than some, but her impact has been undeniable. Last year she captained the Netball New South Wales 17/U team, and earlier this year, she acted as vice captain of the NSW 19/U team that won gold at the National Netball Championships. She is also a member of the GIANTS Netball Academy, been named in their Australian Netball Championships team and plays for UTS Randwick in the NSW Premier League.
Head coach of UTS Randwick Ali Tucker-Munro highlighted the influence ‘Otai’s heritage has on her values and her passion for team culture.
Reflecting on the news she would captain the side, ‘Otai was quick to turn to credit to her team.
Teenager Monika 'Otai has been named as Australia's Fast5 captain for the Commonwealth Youth Games. “It is such a privilege and means so much to me,” she said.
“I will have such an amazing group of girls around me, who are all fantastic people and leaders in their own right,” ‘Otai said.
The year 12 student is looking forward to leading Australia to our first Fast5 Netball appearance at the Commonwealth Youth Games.
"I was completely surprised when Elissa called and asked me to be captain, I didn’t expect it at all, I have no words to describe it but am excited for the opportunity to lead," 'Otai said.
Australian Commonwealth Youth Games Fast5 head coach Elissa Kent commended ‘Otai on being named the inaugural Youth Fast5 Australian Captain.
“Mon has demonstrated great excellence in leadership and performance, and great respect for those around her. She is inclusive and kind. She is admired for her cool head, her calm maturity and her ability to take on a challenge.”
'Otai is looking forward to leading the team. According to Kent, 'Otai demonstrated these attributes at the 19/U Australian Squad Camp and in online team meetings prior to the team assembling for the first time together at the Commonwealth Youth Games Australia pre-departure Staging Camp in Sydney on the weekend.
“She has a great ability to sense what is going on around her and bring others in, both on and off the court with an incredible focus on the task at hand and any challenges that come her way.”
The teenager hopes to be a captain who lifts up the team around her.
“I hope to be a captain who is approachable and easy to talk to that can energise and provide a positive energy to lift up those around me,” she said.
Looking ahead to the Commonwealth Youth Games she is excited to make the most of the event.
“I am looking forward to building connections within the team, soaking it all up and playing against the other countries," she said. here .
