Rotorua girl scores full scholarship in US

Former Western Heights High School senior team player Matangiroa Flavell (left) is heading to the United States on a sports and academic scholarship. PHOTO/FILE

Rotorua basketball talent Matangiroa Flavell, is aiming to make it big in America after securing a full-ride scholarship to play in the states.

The former Western Heights High School and Rotorua Reps player is currently playing for her Otago University team in Dunedin whilst completing a foundation year of study.

But this week has signed for a two-year full scholarship to play basketball and study health science at Midland College in Texas - the former college of elite American basketball players Spud Webb, Ricky Grace and Nathan Jawai.

The talented Te Arawa and Taranaki descendant was "overwhelmed" on receiving the news but says she is excited for her American adventure.

"I was really shocked at first, then when it sank in it was such an amazing feeling," said the 18-year-old.

"It's been very much a waiting game for the decision. I had a few places to choose from but the Texas college has such a high success rate and my whole family loved the coach there which was one of the deciding factors.

"Part of me is scared because it's such a huge move. It will be a real culture shock for me, but this is a once in a life time opportunity and I am ready for new challenges.

"It will be hard leaving family and friends but if I want to be the best I can be this is the best thing to do."

And Flavell, the youngest of five siblings, has full backing from her family for the big move, although her father - Waiariki MP and Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell will be sad to see "the baby of the family," fly the nest.

"I am very proud of her and she has all of our support. But of course I am sad that she will be so far away," he said.

"But this is a once in a life time opportunity and Matangiroa has to grab it with both hands.

"It is definitely the right choice for her because of the track record of the college, the coaching and excellent facilities and I'm sure she will go very far.

"This has been her dream and now she can live that. I wish her all the best and as long as she is happy then I am."

Flavell started playing when she was five years old and currently trains every day to perfect her skills.

The talented youngster has previously been selected for the NZ Maori women's side and aims to make the NZ Tall Ferns team in the future.

And, after the success of Steven Adams, a long term dream is of one day playing in America's WNBA.

"My first aim is to get my degree and really push my ability so I can reach my full potential," she said.

"I want to be able to return and make it into the national side here, because it would be such a great honour to play for my country.

"But a dream, that is very far off would be maybe to one day play in America - that would be huge and is way at the top of what I want to achieve.

"It would be so amazing. And would also mean that I would be the first Maori woman to play in the professional women's game in America."