Basketball ‘my job’

Basketball ‘my job’

Valerie Nainima believes playing basketball has been a blessing in disguise for her.
The professional player now plays fulltime basketball with the Evo NBO 92 Basketball Club in Oberhausen, Germany. After graduating with a Degree in Business Management, Marketing and International Studies from the University of South Carolina three years ago, she has finally decided that basketball is her future. “It is my job,” Nainima said. “I get paid doing it so it’s a dream comes true for me. “This is a professional club, I have been playing professionally for two years now so I don’t school anymore.
The Ra lass who has maternal links in Vanua Levu said the competition is the highest in Germany and it has been a non-stop learning experience adding that she has been very blessed.
Her experiences of playing against some of the best players in the world are something that has given Nainima the motive and the push that if these players can do it why can’t she. “I have witnessed firsthand that no matter where we come from, we have what it takes to compete and win against the best in the world. “Everything is possible only if you have the heart to go for it and give your best when you are focusing on it. “Everything we ever need is in us; we just have to tap into it.
Sharing her experiences of South Carolina University, the 25- year- old said she had learned a lot from her friends and fellow basketball players. “It however started back home in Fiji.
“The support from my family and the basketball community were all contributing factors that led to my success. “Without them, I wouldn’t have been this far. “From South Carolina to Germany; it has been a successful journey indeed and it was all because of my trust in my only God who is the source of every good thing on this earth.
In 2009, Nainima was awarded the 2009 Sportswoman of the Year award.
Her mum, Betty Jitoko was a proud mum when she received the award on behalf of her daughter who was away studying in the States. A modest mum after receiving her daughter’s award acknowledged past coaches, teachers, friends and family members who have helped shaped Valerie’s life. If there was something that has kept Valerie going all these years, it was her humble attitude and being grateful for everything and everyone she has. And her message to young basketball enthusiasts is to keep working hard, never give up hope, always stay humble and always be grateful for everything and everyone you have. “God can do anything, do your part and He will do the rest.
He contract with the Evo NBO 92 Basketball Club ends in the middle of next year and as she said she will see the options before deciding whether to renew or go to another club.
She has also sent her Christmas wishes to her parents back home her awesome brothers and the Basketball Fiji community.




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