Radrodro determined to help basketball development in Fiji

NADI (Fiji) - Lanieta Baleiono Radrodro started as a volunteer coach for Basketball Fiji's Hoops For Health program in 2018 and her passion for basketball led her to take up the National Basketball Development Officer Role in Lautoka, Fiji in 2020.

Radroro or more fondly called "Lani" by her friends shared that her passion for the sport came from her family.

"I've loved the game ever since the first day I got to learn to play it when I was 11 years old and my biggest inspiration is none other than my family. I come from a long line of basketball players and I married a basketball player as well," Lani said.

Photo: Lani (top second from left) during a Hoops For Health prorgram

Radrodro's desire to improve her abilities as a coach is evident in her active participation in a multitude of basketball webinars in 2020.

"I have learned so many things from the webinars but what stood out for me was about communication and how you’ll use it to communicate with your players in and out of the court," shared Lani, who is also one of the national referees of Basketball Fiji.

"Another important thing that I learned was planning or preparation. By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail," she added.

The 24-year old coach was nominated by the Federation to take part in FIBA Oceania Tournament Coaches Course while still attending webinars organized for the region.

"I'm planning to use the webinar lessons during training sessions and workshops organized by the Associations here in the west, clinics, or most importantly when I’m out in the field to work. I’ll use the teachings that I’ve learned not only the ones that I’ve mentioned to anyone willing to know more about the sport," Radroro shared.

Radroro's position with the Federation will give her the opportunity of realizing her dream to expand the game of basketball in Fiji.

"My dream would be to take the sport of basketball to the outer islands of Fiji and the special needs schools because they don't get chances to play or get to know the sport. To achieve this dream is for the Federation to have programs taken to those places and importantly the funds to run the programs," she said.

When asked if there was anything else she would like to discuss, the Fijian native rendered a strong statement on the effect of basketball on her life.

"Basketball has played a major role in shaping the person I am today. While most people generally believe that sports only teach you how to win games or be physically strong, I believe sports have a far greater impact on your life," she said.

"I also want to share my favorite quote with everyone, "If you set your goals ridiculously high and it's a failure, you will fail above everyone else's success" by James Cameron," she ended.

Fiji's Basketball For Good programs is supported by the Australian Government through the Pacific Sports Partnerships, and FIBA's Foundation, the International Basketball Foundation.

FIBA