By Elizabeth Winter
Justine Wilson-Ata never expected her move back to Samoa would lead to a career in netball.
With family roots in Savai’i and Upolu, Wilson-Ata returned to Samoa in 2017 after living in New Zealand.
“When I moved back to Samoa, I thought I was going to have a relaxing life and support my husband,” she said.
Instead, Wilson-Ata found herself stepping into her local netball community while her children were in primary school.
“I’d been told about Marist Netball Club and took my daughters along, due to a shortage of coaches I put up my hand up so they could have a team and my youngest daughter could play,” she said.
“After watching my daughter’s confidence grow, I wanted that for other children. So, I started helping where I could by volunteering.”
Through her volunteer work, Wilson-Ata connected with staff at Netball Samoa and quickly became involved with the organisation.
Wilson-Ata's journey working in netball began by volunteering at her daughters' local club.
She joined Netball Samoa as Finance and Administration Officer in 2021, before becoming Sport Development Manager in 2022, and eventually Chief Executive Officer in February 2025.
“My experience has given me a holistic view on the operation,” she explained.
“It’s given me an appreciation of how everything fits together to make an organisation successful.
“For a car to move, every part, no matter how big or small, plays an important role.”
Supported through Netball’s Ocean of Power – a Netball Australia program ran in partnership with the Australian Government to strengthen capacity across Pacific Netball Federations – Wilson-Ata undertook a Bachelor of Applied Management through Otago Polytechnic.
“Graduating was a proud moment for me because I hadn’t expected to get a degree,” she said.
“I saw something recently about how you have a second life in your late thirties or early forties. And I’m like, my gosh, I think that’s me.”
Wilson-Ata has been part of Netball Samoa for over five years, playing a crucial role in the organisation's development.
Alongside her degree, Wilson-Ata has participated in four Strategic Leadership Workshops delivered through Netball’s Ocean of Power, bringing together netball leaders from across the Pacific.
“The network it’s built has become like a family. We’ve been able to draw on each other for knowledge and support which has really helped me in my journey,” she said.
“I often have good ideas, but I don't always know how to drive them forward. These workshops bring in experts who give us the knowledge to support those ideas.”
One idea sparked through the workshops was Netball Samoa’s annual Farmer Joe Safeguarding Tournament involving local primary schools, which is now recognised as a hallmark event in Samoa.
“I have kids coming up to me throughout the year asking, ‘when is Farmer Joe?’ which reiterates the branding is working,” she said
“Through this tournament, we’ve been able to increase male inclusion. There was some stigma around boys playing netball, but this year it’s becoming more acceptable for boys to be involved in the sport.”
The focus on inclusion is helping to promote netball as a sport for everyone, playing an important role in advancing gender equality.
Wilson-Ata with fellow Netball Samoa staff members Tusi Faasootau-Ale and Rosabel Tuatagaloa.
She hopes increased participation at a primary school level will strengthen retention at secondary school for both males and females, as this is where many players currently drop away from the sport.
Reflecting on her career so far, creating sustainable models to support netball’s long-term growth in Samoa is one of Wilson-Ata's proudest achievements.
A major focus has been strengthening the umpire pathway.
With the support of Netball Australia and the Australian Government, Netball Samoa now has 18 accredited umpires, including four B-badged umpires, making it the most highly accredited country in the Pacific region.
“People are accepting and understanding the importance these officials hold, which comes back to respect and safeguarding,” Wilson-Ata explained.
Wilson-Ata aims to provide clear pathways for the next generation of netballers in Samoa, whether as a player, an official, or in sports administration.
“That’s the end game, netball being a sustainable sport in Samoa,” she said.
“The only way we can do that is to have more of our local people actively engaged and involved because they’ll bring the knowledge.”
Wilson-Ata was recently awarded by the Oceania Olympic Committee for her commitment to gender equity.
In recognition of her work for women, girls, and under-represented communities in Samoa, Wilson-Ata recently received the Champion for Equity Award from the Oceania Olympic Committee.
“I was a bit shocked when the Vice President for the Samoa Olympic Committee (Raema Von Reiche) nominated me,” she said.
“I felt really privileged because I have a lot of respect for her and everything she’s done for women in sport.
“It’s nice to be recognised, but more than this, it reconfirms we're on the right path.”
Von Reiche praised Wilson-Ata's strong leadership when explaining why she nominated her for the award.
“Justine rallies her team, using mentorship and partnership to build an environment where everyone feels empowered, respected, and has a fair shot at opportunities,” Von Reiche said.
“Justine’s work is marked by her unwavering belief that equity is not just an ideal but a practice that requires active effort and accountability.
“Her efforts have led to measurable positive impacts, inspiring many to join the movement toward a more just and inclusive community. This is very important here in Samoa.”
Wilson-Ata and fellow Pacific Netball Federation staff members at the 2026 Strategic Leadership Workshop in Melbourne.
Wilson-Ata also acknowledged the contribution of Roshika Deo, Team Up Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion Adviser, with whom Wilson-Ata attended the FIFA World Cup as Safeguarding Lead, supported through the Australian Government.
“Roshika has contributed to my growth in understanding and advocating for safeguarding practices and equitable decision making,” Wilson-Ata said.
The experiences formed throughout her time with Netball Samoa have shaped Wilson-Ata into the leader she is today.
Wilson-Ata resonates with the Samoan proverb “E le sili le ta’i nai lo le tapua’i” meaning, ‘the supporters are just as important as the leader’.
“The CEO is just a title. But it means nothing if you don't have the support of those around you,” she said.
“If you're honest and you do things with a good heart, then you're more likely to get to your goals.”
Even in Wilson-Ata's relatively short netball career, she’s been recognised by others as a strong leader and, most importantly, is committed to achieving what’s best for her community.
As her journey continues, the future of netball in Samoa looks bright.
Netball’s Ocean of Power is an Australian Government initiative empowering women and girls in the Pacific to step into leadership roles and become champions within their communities.
Interested in Netball Australia’s International Development work? See more here
