Ultimate Tall Ferns teamwork a difference-maker for Boagni and baby Noah

AMMAN (Jordan) – There’s only one certainty at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2021 and it’s simply that nobody will experience more fun and attention than one-year old Noah Boagni.

The adorable young man was the centerpiece at the team’s official photoshoot on the eve of the tournament, with the outpouring of love and support for both him and mother Tessa palpable from the New Zealand players and staff.

"JUST BECAUSE YOU BECOME A MUM IT SHOWS THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO GIVE UP YOUR SPORTING OR BASKETBALL DREAMS" - Tessa Boagni

It was a powerful demonstration of ultimate teamwork from the Tall Ferns – and also something that goes way beyond basketball and sport.

"Every single person from teammates to staff have been helping so much and it started right from the beginning," explained Boagni.

"Whether it is taking the stroller (push chair) for me or looking after him so I can just have a nap, or a shower, everyone is so good.

"Of course, it was a struggle with the travel and everything as it was 30 hours and Noah had to adjust to a 9 hour time zone difference, but it’s why the help has been so important to us both.

"Also, when I was initially getting back into basketball after becoming a mom, Basketball New Zealand paid for a nanny for me and they also made sure I had access to a therapist and a trainer.

"They did everything they could, so that I would be able to get back onto the court and back into high-performance sport."

She continued, "I am also so lucky that I have been the third or fourth person that has been able to bring their child away to a competition. At the last edition two years ago, we had both Natalie Taylor and Ash Karaitiana who brought their babies with them.

“Just because you become a mum it shows that you don’t have to give up your sporting or basketball dreams. It’s awesome that we can show everyone that becoming a mother doesn’t mean that you have to stop being an athlete."

As well as her teammates and Tall Ferns colleagues, Boagni is able to lean on a shared experience of being an athlete and parent with her partner Ethan Roots – a pro-Rugby player who plays in Europe.

"It’s good that we both play sports so that we can appreciate and understand the challenges that we have," she revealed.

"It’s really helpful but of course it is so difficult at times in that we both have to pursue our own careers which take us all over the world and then having Noah to take care of as well – it can be hard at times."

Having made the sizeable commitment to travel halfway around the world and also having to factor in the journey back and a lengthy 14-day quarantine on top, Boagni is keen to make the most of her time in Jordan. Even if her team heads onto the floor somewhat undercooked having barely played competitive games in the past two years or so.

"I think it is a little bit concerning at the lack of games we have played in the last year or two as a team, but you can’t worry about it too much," she insisted.

"We just have to get out there and do our thing because we are just so looking forward as a bunch of players to be on the court again as it’s been so long since we did.

"But there is definitely a more powerful feeling of excitement than fear about it – we can’t wait," concluded Boagni.

FIBA