NUKU' ALOFA (Tonga) - The Ah-Hing family from Tonga exemplifies a rare and inspiring legacy in the world of basketball, as they combine coaching, officiating, and playing into one unified journey.
This family, led by Logan Ah-Hing, the coach of the U15 Tongan Girls Team, has crafted a unique space in the sport. Alongside her are two refereeing daughters, Natasha and Emma, and her athlete son, Tamilo, who recently debuted at the FIBA U15 Oceania Championship. Together, they embody the power of passion, support, and dedication to the game of basketball, while representing their country on an international stage. A Family Affair Rooted in Basketball The shared love of basketball within the Ah-Hing family began early, with Natasha taking the first steps as a player in the under-13 division. Over time, her siblings followed suit. "I was the first one to start playing basketball under 13," Natasha shares.
After an injury side-lined her, she transitioned to refereeing—a role that would eventually lead to both of her sisters and her mother following suit. For the Ah-Hing family, basketball became more than a sport; it became a way to bond, earn pocket money, and eventually, represent their Tongan roots on a global platform. For Logan, the experience of seeing her family involved in every facet of the game has been both humbling and emotional. "It’s an absolute privilege and an honor to all do it together for one country," Logan reflects. Representing Tonga is deeply personal for the family, especially for Logan, who often thinks about how their grandparents left Tonga for a better life, and now, generations later, their family is giving back to their homeland through basketball.
The Importance of Family Support What stands out in this family’s story is the profound support they offer each other. Whether it's Logan receiving moral support from her children as a first-time coach at the FIBA level, or Tamilo motivating his siblings with playful comments to push them to perform better, the Ah-Hings demonstrate the power of family unity. As Logan acknowledges, it’s a unique experience to have her children offer support in return after years of being the one to cheer them on. "Having my kids advising me has made me listen and learn," Logan admits. She openly shares how she has had to take a step back from her role as a mother and a coach to truly listen to her children’s advice, especially as the sport evolves with younger generations.
This supportive dynamic is crucial for growth, not only as athletes but as individuals. It’s also evident in the relationships between the siblings: Natasha and Emma have helped each other push through challenges in refereeing, with Emma even contemplating quitting but finding the strength to persevere with her family’s encouragement. Overcoming Challenges Together As with many female referees, Natasha and Emma have faced challenges, particularly dealing with harsh comments from coaches or supporters. Yet, they draw strength from one another, forming a bond that helps them navigate tough situations. “We just depend on one another a lot for moral support,” Natasha says.
Their experiences as women in a male-dominated space have only empowered them, reinforcing the idea that they belong in these high-pressure environments and that their contributions are invaluable. Emma’s debut as a FIBA referee at the U15 Oceania Cup has been a major milestone, and her family’s presence at the event has been instrumental in boosting her confidence. “I wanted to give up reffing for good forever, but having my family there to push me to carry on helped me say yes to refereeing on one of the biggest platforms of basketball,” Emma shares. The support system within the Ah-Hing family is a testament to the strength found in unity and love for basketball. Inspiring the Next Generation For Tamilo, being the player in the family amidst two referees and a coach has offered him a unique perspective. He often benefits from the advice his sisters and mother give him, "It's a huge honor to play for my country and my family, and grateful for the support they have given me," Tamilo shared.
He sees his role in the U15 team as setting a pathway for younger generations of Tongan athletes, showing them that anything is possible if they put in the work. Logan's aspirations for the future are also focused on the idea of inspiring the next generation. "We want others to see if we can do it, they can do it too," Logan states. The Ah-Hing family's involvement in basketball is not just about their accomplishments; it’s about creating opportunities and paving the way for future players, coaches, and referees from Tonga.
A Legacy of Service and Giving Back At the heart of the Ah-Hing family’s basketball journey is the value of service. Natasha emphasizes, "It's never been about us; it's always about doing what's best for others, especially for our country."
Their contributions to the sport, from refereeing to coaching, have been driven by a deep love for Tonga and a desire to give back to the community and the sport that has given them so much. Logan echoes this sentiment, stressing that their journey is not just for their benefit but to create a pathway for others to follow. "If a mum of 12 like myself can get the call up to be an assistant coach, then other mums can too," she affirms.
The Ah-Hing family embodies the belief that leadership, teamwork, and service go hand in hand, creating a lasting legacy that will inspire not only their children but future generations of Tongans involved in sports.
Women in Basketball across Oceania is proudly supported by PacificAus Sports. The PacificAus Sports program aims to elevate Pacific women's basketball pathways to elite competition through athlete immersion programs and high-performance events, and workshops. This partnership with FIBA in Oceania also supports major events like the FIBA U15 Oceania Cup, ensuring that female athletes have access to top-tier training and competitive opportunities. By fostering development and leadership, the program is dedicated to empowering women and girls in basketball across the Pacific region.
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