SUVA (Fiji) – From national player to inspiring the next generation of women in basketball, Sera Colata’s basketball journey in Fiji demonstrates how one person can influence and shape the next generation.

Colata's started playing basketball when she was just twelve years old, a year later, she earned the privilege of representing Fiji. This was the moment that marked the outset of her illustrious career as she seamlessly progressed from age-group levels, to eventually join the esteemed national senior women's basketball team.

Colata stood out as an exceptional player and a charismatic leader. 

She took on the role of captain for the Basketball Fiji U20 Girls team and achieved the distinction of becoming a member of the Oceania All Stars team at the Australia U20 National Championship in 2007. 

Additionally, she made valuable contributions as a member of the National Women's Basketball team in numerous regional and international FIBA competitions.

She credits the sport for her personal development and growth and for the opportunity to travel the world, saying “From my personal experience, basketball has been a positive impact in my life.”

 

“It has taught me certain life skills that have helped me on both the personal and professional levels. Basketball has taught me self-discipline, time management and good sportsmanship which have all had a positive impact in my life.”

Colata's unwavering dedication and personal sacrifices in the realm of sports did not go unnoticed. She received a nomination from Basketball Fiji to participate in the FIBA WiLead Internship program in Oceania, where she received the Maureen Elphinstone Scholarship to travel to Australia to further expand on her basketball knowledge.  

Over the course of six weeks, this program provided intensive training across various facets of the sport, encompassing training methodologies, coaching techniques, leadership, event management, women's basketball development, and federation administration. 

Now in retirement, Colata serves as Basketball Fiji's Women Engagement Officer, a role she assumed earlier in the year. Her mission is to enhance women and girls' participation in the sport through a range of community engagement initiatives, including programs like "I'm a Girl" and "Mum's a Hero."

She enjoys the impact of her work, saying “I love seeing the women and girls who have used basketball as their form of outlet from their everyday life and challenges. To see basketball positively impacting our girls and women.”

“There have been a lot of benefits while taking up this role. I have had the opportunity to participate in FIBA coaching courses and I am also undergoing training to learn the back end of FIBA 3x3 tournament platform.”

Earlier this year Colata was recognized at the Fiji Sports Awards scooping Volunteer of the Year

Colata says that the various training has helped her develop and execute her programs better, where she has seen first-hand its impacts. “I have seen basketball help a mother who struggled with post-natal depression. I have seen how the Bula Hoops programs has helped kids form lasting friendships, good habits, and healthy choices.” she said.

She added, in an era where technology and social media is impacting and influencing kids behaviour and habits, sports programs play a major role in forming positive behaviour in kids holistic development, saying “Sports is the key that will keep our kids grounded and focused on becoming better and healthier and become the best versions of themselves.”

 

Basketball Fiji Media