Baia loves juggling sports

**Cynthia Baia in action for the Sab City Raiders in the Moresby South Rugby League competition at Moresby South Stadium**.

By JACK AMI
JUGGLING multiple sports requires a great deal of commitment, but rugby league player and basketballer Cynthia Baia says she would not have it any other way.
The Butuka Academy Grade 12 student, from A’arava village, Baimuru, Gulf, has so far proven to be a skillful performer in both sports.
Baia said former national women’s sevens team member Joanne Lagona’s 2018 JT Super Nines Cup performance had convinced her to take up rugby league.
“She is why I’m playing rugby league,” the 21-year-old said.
“She is my role model in the sport.
“I was also inspired by my father and mentor Paul Baia who played for Amoa Seagulls in the South Settlement Rugby League competition when I was little, tagging along with my parents to the Kaugere Oval.
“I started playing at the age of 17 as a Kaugere Primary School grade eight student in the National Capital District Schools Rugby League competition.”
Raised in a family of four at Kaugere Settlement, Baia said while sports was her passion, education was the top priority.
“I make sure that my studies do not clash with my training,” the Sab City Raider said.
“So far, I’m handling it very well.
“This is an important year, so my focus is on education.
“I’m aiming for a place in a tertiary institution.”

**Gulf native Cynthia Baia attempting a jump shot on the base line.**

Baia joined the Moresby South Rugby League competition with Southern Sisters in 2018, but moved the following year to the Raiders where she helped win the JT Super Nines Cup.
But later in the year, they were knocked out of the finals by Vadavada United.
Baia did not play in the finals due to her studies as a Grade 10 student then.
Fortunately, she was able to continue her education.
Baia returned last year and linked up with Kaugere Seagulls before re-joining reigning JT Super Nines Bowl winners Raiders for this season.
In basketball, she started playing in the Under-12s in 2011 before joining Yumi Yet as senior player.
Baia plays for Flames in the Port Moresby Women’s Basketball League.
Baia said discipline and a positive attitude were crucial to excelling in multiple sports.
“But for me, it is still too early to talk about representing Moresby South in the Southern Confederation trials and the Papua New Guinea Orchids,” she said.
“These aspirations can wait as my education is the top priority for now.”
Meanwhile, Baia’s younger brother, Lazarus, also plays basketball, but not rugby league.