(It’s a Family Affair) The King family are no new bees to the sport of hockey and for Emma King growing up amongst hockey players was her life. The 26 year old grew up in Lautoka and attended Natabua High School, where she first picked up a hockey stick. Having her father coach the team was not easy for Emma, as a lot of pressure was put on her to perform. Emma came from a family of hockey stars, her father Vatubua King was one of Fiji’s deadliest backs and had one of the hardest hits in Fiji. Her mother also played hockey for Nausori and later on joined Tokalau Women’s Hockey Club. After completing high school, Emma moved to Suva to compete her studies at the University of the South Pacific, this is when she joined the Ventures Women’s Hockey Club. Playing the family sport was something Emma enjoyed but then the academic and financial load became too much so she was forced to stop and focus on completing her degree. After taking a break, Emma decided to come back in 2013 to commit fully to the sport and try out for the national team this year. Emma has followed in her father’s footsteps and has managed to secure her spot as a Half for the National Team. Emma’s patience with her tackles, continuous energy to run back and her whopping hit, has made her one of Fiji’s best back line players. Miss King was named in the 18 member squad and was filled with tears of joy; she could not believe that all her hard work and sacrifices had finally paid off. “I am so excited to be part of this team and I think the quality of players this year is awesome. It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to play alongside such amazing women and even more amazing coach” says Emma. Emma currently lives in Nausori in her family home with her brother Tevita King, who she names as her role model. “His work rate on the field and his dedication to keeping fit off season are commendable” For anyone who knows Emma and Tevita, you would agree they are like chalk and cheese, but the young lady believes that her brothers “never say die” attitude and dedication is what makes him one of the best midfielders in the country. The biggest influence in Emma’s life has being the support and encouragement she has received from her Aunty Myra, who also is a former national rep. “Since my parents are in the West, Myra has been like a mother to my brother and I. She encouraged me to try out for the national team and she’s been pushing me ever since, I owe most of this to her” says Emma. Emma currently manages her family business in Nausori and while playing hockey is something she loves, it comes at a cost which she manages to keep under wraps. “Travelling to and from Nausori almost daily is not cheap and having to balance that with bills is a challenge, but I guess it’s the sacrifice I have to make to play the sport I love” she says. Emma’s favorite quote is “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh the thinks you can think up if you only Try” – Dr. Suess Miss King will debut for the National Womens Hockey team on Saturday against Vanuatu and is excited to be playing her first match for Fiji. “There is no holding back now, everything I have trained for is here now, I will make my family proud and do my best for my country” says Emma. (Story by Catherine Thaggard, Maxine Browne and Melba Nautu) (Photo Credits to Kirk Matthew Corrie - Hockey Shots)
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 00:16:34 +0000
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