Ava impressing Telstars coach Diro at 15

By MARTHA DERUAGE
Evanellia Ava may only be 15 years old, but her talent in netball is tremendous, says Telstars coach Veitu Diro.
Diro was speaking of her youngest shooter in their premier team in the Port Moresby Netball Association.
“Eva’s shooting accuracy is great and we rely on her,” he said.
“She was selected for the Pepes train-on squad for the World Cup qualifier earlier this year which was amazing, considering how old she is.”
Eva started playing netball when she was five years old.
She represented Port Moresby in the U13, U15 and U20 teams at the PNG games.
“My parents are heavily involved with sports,” Ava, who is from Gulf and Central, said.
“I grew up in a sports environment, and that’s why I am hooked on it.
“My dad plays soccer and he used to bring me to soccer field.
“My mother plays netball so she sometimes takes me to the netball court and obviously my interest was with netball.
“Netball is my passion, I love it so much.
“I have a hoop at home so I wake up every morning and take some shots before I start my day.”
Ava admires the many current and former Pepes, but veteran Lua Rikis was someone she looked up to with great respect.
“I want to make the national team some day,” she said.
“But for now, I’d like to concentrate on school.
“If I don’t, I would have no-where to go when netball is over for me.”
Ava, who is doing Grade 10 at the Port Moresby International School, hopes to be a pilot one day. Her favourite subjects in school are science and maths.
“My dad always tells me to be humble and thank the Lord because without His blessings, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Not only does she play netball but she also is a swimmer, she plays volleyball and basketball too.
Young Eva have a long way to go and she is taking a game at a time.